Benzene, 1,2,3,4-tetrachloro-5,6-dimethoxy-(Tetrachloroveratrole)

CAS Registry Number 944-61-6

What is it?

• Benzene, 1,2,3,4-tetrachloro-5,6-dimethoxy-, also known as tetrachloroveratrole, is an industrial chemical.

How is it used?

• This substance is not manufactured in Canada or imported into Canada.
• Tetrachloroveratrole may have previously been used in the manufacturing of chemicals such as those made from refined petroleum or liquid hydrocarbons. It may also be formed as a biotransformation product of bleached pulp mill effluents and chlorination of wastewaters in the pulp and paper industry.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it?

• Prior to assessment, Tetrachloroveratrole was identified as a potential concern to the environment based on available information regarding possible persistence, accumulation in organisms and potential to cause harm to organisms.
• In addition Tetrachloroveratrole was believed to be potentially in commerce in Canada prior to assessment.

How is it released to the environment?

• The Government of Canada has reviewed information that indicates that Tetrachloroveratrole is not in commerce in Canada.
• As a result, it is unlikely that Tetrachloroveratrole is entering the environment as a result of commercial manufacture, import or use in this country.

What are the results of the assessment?

• The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of Tetrachloroveratrole called a screening assessment.
• Because this substance is not in commerce and no new information was received on it, this assessment was based on information collected in the past.
• Results of the final screening assessment indicate that Tetrachloroveratrole has the potential to remain in the environment for a long time, accumulate in organisms and cause harm to organisms, but that the substance is not presently a concern because it is not in commerce.
• The Government of Canada has therefore concluded that Tetrachloroveratrole is not entering the environment in a quantity or under conditions that constitute a danger to the environment.
• Because Tetrachloroveratrole is not currently in commerce in Canada, it is not considered to be harmful to the health of the general population at current levels of exposure.

What is the Government of Canada doing?

• The application of the Significant New Activity (SNAc) provisions to this substance will be recommended. This would require that any proposed new manufacture, import or use be subject to further assessment, and would determine if the new activity requires further risk management consideration.
• The final screening assessment report was published on July 31, 2010.

What can Canadians do?

• The health risks associated with a chemical depend on the hazard (its potential to cause health effects) and the dose (the amount of chemical to which you are exposed). Since Tetrachloroveratrole is not in commerce, it is not a concern for the environment or human health.
• As a general precaution, Canadians are reminded when using any product to carefully follow safety warnings and directions.