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The Aromatic Azo- and Benzidine-Based Substances Approach

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• Notice of Intent
• Background

Notice of Intent to Assess and Manage the Risks to the Health of Canadians and Their Environment Posed by Aromatic Azo Substances Which May Break Down to Certain Aromatic Amines, Substances Which May Break Down to Certain Benzidines, and the Corresponding Aromatic Amines or Benzidines

(Public comment period June 5, 2010 to August 4, 2010)

On June 5, 2010, a Notice of intent to indicate how Health Canada and Environment Canada will address azo- and benzidine-based substances to assess and reduce related health and ecological risks potentially posed by these substances, was published in the Canada Gazette.

•  Canada Gazette, Part I: Vol 144 No. 23: Notice of intent to assess and manage the risks to the health of Canadians and their environment posed by aromatic azo substances which may break down to certain aromatic amines, substances which may break down to certain benzidines, and the corresponding aromatic amines or benzidines ( PDF Version - 1170 K)

There is a 60-day public comment period (from June 5, 2010 to August 4, 2010) associated with this Canada Gazette Notice. Details on how to submit public comments can be found within the Notice.

Background

This approach applies to those substances identified as priorities for further action during the categorization exercise and which are considered to be azo substances which may break down to certain aromatic amines, substances which may break down to certain benzidines, and the corresponding aromatic amines or benzidines (i.e. the "aromatic azo- and benzidine-based substances"). This action includes substances from the Challenge initiative as well as related substances which were identified as priorities for further action during the categorization exercise.

The approach for "aromatic azo- and benzidine-based substances" includes approximately 350 substances to be addressed under a class approach.

Substances which are considered to be aromatic azo- or benzidine-based share common structural features which may result in similar physical, chemical and toxicological properties. Substances with these structural features may undergo environmental degradation and/or metabolism in organisms to aromatic amine metabolites, some of which may be hazardous to human health or the environment. Azo-based substances containing aromatic amines may be subjected to reductive cleavage of the azo linkage, resulting in the availability of a free aromatic amine. Likewise, substances which contain benzidine or benzidine congeners (with azo or other linkages) may be transformed to release the active metabolites. Such substances may also have similar commercial applications, leading to similar exposure patterns.

• Aromatic Azo- and Benzidine-Based Substances List

If you have questions or comments, please contact us. Indicate on the envelope or subject line "CMP Aromatic Azo- and Benzidine-based Substances Approach Inquiry".