Ethylene bis(tetrabromophthalimide) (EBTBP)

1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione, 2,2'-(1,2-ethanediyl)bis[4,5,6,7-tetrabromo-
CAS Registry Number 32588-76-4

Overview

The Government of Canada conducted a science-based evaluation, called a screening assessment, of EBTBP to address the potential for harm to Canadians and to the environment.
Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), the risk posed by a substance is determined by considering both its hazardous properties (its potential to cause adverse human health or ecological effects) and the amount of exposure there is to people and the environment. A substance may have hazardous properties; however, the risk to human health or to the environment may be low depending upon the level of exposure.
- More information on assessing risk can be found in the Overview of Risk Assessment and related fact sheets, particularly on Types of Risk Assessment Documents and the Risk Assessment Toolbox.
As a result of this screening assessment, it is concluded that EBTBP is not harmful to human health or the environment.

This screening assessment focuses on 1 of 10 substances referred to collectively under the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) as the Certain Organic Flame Retardants Substance Grouping which includes organic substances having similar function: application to materials to slow the ignition and spread of fire. The substance addressed in this assessment is 1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione, 2,2'-(1,2-ethanediyl)bis[4,5,6,7-tetrabromo- also referred to as ethylene bis(tetrabromophthalimide) or EBTBP.
EBTBP does not occur naturally in the environment.
According to information gathered by the Government, EBTBP is used in Canada solely as a flame retardant, including in plastic and rubber materials and in the automotive sector.

The main sources of exposure for the general population in Canada are expected to be from the environment (for example, from dust or soil).
EBTBP may be released to the Canadian environment as a result of manufacture, transport, use, and disposal of the substance, or materials containing the substance.

National and international reports of data and laboratory studies were reviewed and no adverse effects on human health have been identified for EBTBP.
Information available indicates that EBTBP has a low potential for environmental toxicity.

Based upon a comparison of levels to which Canadians may be exposed to EBTBP and highest levels shown to have no associated health effects, the risk to human health from EBTBP is considered to be low.
Considering all information presented, it was also determined that there is low risk of harm to the environment from EBTBP.
The Government of Canada published the Final Screening Assessment for EBTBP on May 11, 2019.

As a result of this assessment, the Government concluded that EBTBP is not harmful to human health.
The Government also concluded that EBTBP is not entering the environment at levels that are harmful to the environment.

Canadians who may be exposed to EBTBP in the workplace can consult with their employer and an occupational health and safety (OHS) representative about safe handling practices, applicable laws, and requirements under OHS legislation and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).