2-Methoxyethanol acetate

CAS Registry Number 110-49-6

The Final Screening Assessment for 2-Methoxyethanol acetate was published March 7, 2009 as part of Batch 3 of the Challenge initiative of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP). The assessment is summarized on this page.

What is it

• 2-Methoxyethanol acetate is an industrial chemical.

How is it used

• 2-Methoxyethanol acetate is used primarily as a solvent for various industrial applications.
• Based on the most recent data available, 2-methoxyethanol acetate is not manufactured in Canada, but is imported in very small quantities for industrial uses.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it

• 2-Methoxyethanol acetate was identified as a potential concern for human health based on its classification by an international organization as a substance that may cause harm to the developing fetus and may also impair fertility, and based on what was believed to be a moderate potential for exposure to Canadians.

How are Canadians exposed to it

• There were no reports on any current uses in consumer products. As a result, exposure of the general population in Canada to 2-methoxyethanol acetate is expected to be very low.

What is the Government of Canada doing

• The Government of Canada conducted a science-based evaluation of 2-methoxyethanol acetate, called a screening assessment.
• The Government of Canada has determined that 2-methoxyethanol acetate is considered to be harmful to human health.
• Although Canadians' exposure is currently considered to be very low, the Government of Canada is taking action so that exposure remains low.
• Risk management options include the development of a future notification tool so that new uses in Canada do not increase exposure for Canadians.
• The Government of Canada will propose to include 2-methoxyethanol acetate as a prohibited or restricted ingredient on Health Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist. The Hotlist is used to communicate that certain substances may not be compliant with requirements of the Food and Drug Act or the Cosmetic Regulations. Under Canadian legislation, cosmetics that contain substances that are harmful to the user cannot be sold.
• The proposed risk management approach was published on March 7, 2009. The proposed risk management approach will be subject to a 60-day public comment period from March 7 to May 6, 2009.
• Up-to-date information of the risk management action milestones for 2-methoxyethanol acetate is available.

What should Canadians do

• Because exposure to 2-methoxyethanol acetate is very low, Canadians do not need to take specific actions to reduce their exposure.