Low boiling point naphthas (LBPNs)

On this page

• About low boiling point naphthas
• Safety of low boiling point naphthas
• What we’re doing
• What you can do

About low boiling point naphthas

Low boiling point naphthas (LBPNs) are a group of petroleum substances produced by distilling crude oil. In addition to uses within the petroleum sector, LBPN substances are used as solvents. They are present in a wide variety of products available to consumers, including:

• printing inks
• plastics and rubber
• paints and coatings
• automotive products
• pest control products
• household cleaning products
• cosmetics and personal care products

Some LBPNs may also be used in the manufacture of food packaging materials and in other products used in food processing establishments, like lubricants and cleaners.

Safety of low boiling point naphthas

Under Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan, we review and manage the potential risks that chemical substances can pose to consumers and the environment. The first stage of the review process is a draft chemical risk assessment.

We have completed the draft assessment of a group of 27 LBPN substances. We are proposing that 17 of these substances may cause developmental and nervous system effects if they  are inhaled or come into contact with skin.

Some products available to consumers contain these LBPNs and may be harmful to human health. These include:

• certain cosmetics and personal care products:
  • nail polish
  • body lotion
  • spray hair oil
  • adhesive remover for hair extensions
  • depilatory wax remover (applied post-wax to remove residue)
• do-it-yourself and home improvement products, like:
  • paints and coatings:
    • lacquer
    • wall paint
    • spray paint
    • floor coating or stain
    • wood stain and varnish
    • enamel paints
    • paint thinner, including brush and roller cleaner
  • automotive products:
    • undercoating
    • brake cleaner aerosol
    • fabric protection spray
  • other home improvement products:
    • wax remover
    • ceramic tile sealant
    • gun barrel wipes
    • electronic spray cleaner
    • adhesive remover spray
    • shoe polish wax and spray
    • contact, weather strip and construction adhesives
    • multi-purpose lubricant sprays and aerosol degreasers
    • furniture polishes, preservative spray and fabric protection spray

We are also proposing that LBPNs do not pose a risk to the environment.

What we’re doing

Our assessment is not yet final. We are continuing to evaluate the potential risk posed by LBPNs before we publish our final conclusion. This includes:

• tracking new information on exposures or hazards
• asking the public to comment on our draft assessment
  • you can provide any comments on our draft assessment during the 60-day public comment period
• reviewing and using new information and public comments to help inform our final assessment

If the final assessment confirms our proposed findings, we will consider taking measures to reduce your exposure to LBPN substances from certain products available to consumers. This may include adding the LBPNs of concern to:

• Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
  • this would allow Canada to implement preventive or control actions for the life cycle of the substance, including:
    • research and development
    • manufacture
    • use
    • storage
    • transport
    • disposal or recycling
• the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
  • this would provide information to manufacturers on the restriction or prohibition of the use of LBPNs in certain cosmetics

What you can do

Consumers are reminded to:

Read the label

• cosmetics must list all ingredients and instructions for use
• follow all safety warnings and directions
• follow the manufacturer’s directions to dispose of the product safely

LBPNs may be listed on product ingredient lists as:

• naphtha
• heptane
• ligroin(e)
• white spirits
• mineral spirits
• Stoddard solvent
• petroleum spirits
• naphtha (petroleum)
• distillates (petroleum)
• solvent naphtha (petroleum)

If you’re unsure if your product contains LBPNs, contact the manufacturer.

If you’re exposed to LBPNs at work, talk to your employer and occupational health and safety (OHS) official about:

• relevant laws
• safe handling and storage practices
• requirements under OHS legislation and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

Related links

• Chemical risk assessments
• Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
• Use household chemicals safely
• Toxic substances list: Schedule 1
• Measuring your exposure to chemicals
• Canada’s systems for addressing chemicals
• Overview of the Chemicals Management Plan

For industry and professionals

• Low boiling point naphthas – information sheet
• Risk assessment of chemical substances