Draft screening assessment - Alkyl imidazolines group

Official title: Draft screening assessment - Alkyl imidazolines group

Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Numbers

95-38-5, 27136-73-8, 68442-97-7, 68966-38-1

Environment and Climate Change Canada

Health Canada

June 2019

Synopsis

Pursuant to section 68 or 74 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health have conducted a screening assessment on four of eight substances referred to collectively under the Chemicals Management Plan as the Alkyl Imidazolines and Salts Group. These four substances were identified as priorities for assessment as they met categorization criteria under subsection 73(1) of CEPA or were considered a priority on the basis of other human health concerns. The other four substances were either subsequently determined to be of low concern through other approaches, and decisions for these substances are provided in separate reportsFootnote 1Footnote 2, or they will be part of a future screening assessmentFootnote 3 . The four substances addressed in this screening assessment will hereinafter be referred to as the Alkyl Imidazolines Group. 

Substances in the alkyl imidazolines group
CAS RNa Domestic Substances List name Common name
95-38-5 1H-Imidazole-1-ethanol, 2-(8-heptadecenyl)-4,5-dihydro- N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazolineb
27136-73-8 1H-Imidazole-1-ethanol, 2-(heptadecenyl)-4,5-dihydro- Oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazolineb
68442-97-7c,d 1H-Imidazole-1-ethanamine, 4,5-dihydro-, 2-nortall-oil alkyl derivs. Tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline
68966-38-1 1H-Imidazole-1-ethanol, 4,5-dihydro-2-isoheptadecyl- Isostearyl imidazoline

a The Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number (CAS RN) is the property of the American Chemical Society, and any use or redistribution, except as required in supporting regulatory requirements and/or for reports to the Government of Canada when the information and the reports are required by law or administrative policy, is not permitted without the prior, written permission of the American Chemical Society.

b There is considerable overlap in the common names and synonyms assigned to the CAS RNs 95-38-5 and 27136-73-8 in the public domain.

c This CAS RN is a UVCB (unknown or variable composition, complex reaction products, or biological materials).

d This substance was not identified under subsection 73(1) of CEPA but was included in this assessment as it was considered a priority on the basis of other human health concerns.

None of the substances in the Alkyl Imidazolines Group occur naturally. According to information submitted pursuant to a survey under section 71 of CEPA, no manufacturing activities were reported above the reporting threshold of 100 kg for the substances in the Alkyl Imidazolines Group, and three of these substances were imported into Canada in total quantities ranging from 10 000 to 1 000 000 kg, in the 2011 reporting year. Isostearyl imidazoline had no importing activities reported above the reporting threshold of 100 kg in that same year. These substances may be used in various applications for consumer use in Canada, including do-it-yourself products and hair products. Industrial uses, such as components of certain lubricants and greases, in oil and natural gas extraction, and as raw material to blend into industrial products, were also identified in Canada.

The ecological risks of the substances in the Alkyl Imidazolines Group were characterized using the ecological risk classification of organic substances (ERC), which is a risk-based approach that employs multiple metrics for both hazard and exposure, with weighted consideration of multiple lines of evidence for determining risk classification. Hazard profiles are based principally on metrics regarding mode of toxic action, chemical reactivity, food web-derived internal toxicity thresholds, bioavailability, and chemical and biological activity. Metrics considered in the exposure profiles include potential emission rate, overall persistence, and long-range transport potential. A risk matrix is used to assign a low, moderate or high level of potential concern for substances on the basis of their hazard and exposure profiles. Based on the outcome of the ERC analysis, substances in the Alkyl Imidazolines Group are considered unlikely to be causing ecological harm.

Considering all available lines of evidence presented in this draft screening assessment, there is low risk of harm to the environment from substances in the Alkyl Imidazolines Group. It is proposed to conclude that N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline; oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline; tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline; and isostearyl imidazoline do not meet the criteria under paragraphs 64(a) or (b) of CEPA as they are not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that have or may have an immediate or long-term harmful effect on the environment or its biological diversity or that constitute or may constitute a danger to the environment on which life depends.

The predominant sources of exposure to the Canadian general population are paint remover, lubricant and rust blocker, and hair conditioner for N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline, oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline, and isostearyl imidazoline, respectively. There is also the potential for exposure through environmental media for N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline, oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline, and tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline.

With respect to human health, the adverse effects observed in a laboratory study of N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline were point of contact effects, or secondary to such effects, via the oral route. Comparison of the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) to the estimated exposures for this substance for the Canadian general population resulted in margins of exposure that were considered adequate to address uncertainties in the exposure and health effects databases.  

In the absence of substance-specific hazard information for oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline and isostearyl imidazoline, N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline was selected as the analogue for these two substances based on the similarity of their chemical structures and physical and chemical properties. Comparison of the NOAEL to the estimated exposures for the Canadian general population resulted in margins of exposure that were considered adequate to address uncertainties in the exposure and health effects databases.

On the basis of available information, reduced body weight was observed in a laboratory study with tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline via the oral route. Comparison of the NOAEL observed in this study to the estimated exposure for the Canadian general population resulted in a margin of exposure that was considered adequate to address uncertainties in the exposure and health effects databases.

On the basis of the information presented in this draft screening assessment, it is proposed to conclude that N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline; oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline; tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline; and isostearyl imidazoline do not meet the criteria under paragraph 64(c) of CEPA as they are not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health.

It is therefore proposed to conclude that N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline; oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline; tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline; and isostearyl imidazoline do not meet any of the criteria set out in section 64 of CEPA.

1. Introduction

Pursuant to section 68 or 74 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) (Canada 1999), the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health have conducted a screening assessment on four of eight substances, referred to collectively under the Chemicals Management Plan as the Alkyl Imidazolines and Salts Group, to determine whether they present or may present a risk to the environment or to human health. These four substances were identified as priorities for assessment as they met categorization criteria under subsection 73(1) of CEPA or were considered a priority on the basis of other human health concerns (ECCC, HC [modified 2017]).

Two substances (listed in Table 1‑1 below) were considered in the Ecological Risk Classification of Organic Substances (ERC) Science Approach Document (ECCC 2016a) and in either the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC)-based Approach for Certain Substances Science Approach Document (Health Canada 2016) or via the approach applied in the Rapid Screening of Substances with Limited General Population Exposure (ECCC, HC 2018a) and were identified as being of low concern to both human health and the environment. As such, they are not further addressed in this report. Conclusions for these two substances are provided in the Substances Identified as Being of Low Concern using the Ecological Risk Classification of Organic Substances and the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC)-based Approach for Certain Substances Screening Assessment Report (ECCC, HC 2018b) and the Rapid Screening of Substances with Limited General Population Exposure Screening Assessment (ECCC, HC 2018a). Two other substances originally part of this group, CAS RNs 67633-57-2 and 68122-86-1, will be assessed in the future as part of a separate initiative.

The four substances addressed in this draft screening assessment report will hereinafter be referred to as the Alkyl Imidazolines Group.

Table 1-1. Substances in the alkyl imidazolines group that were addressed under other approaches
CAS RNa Domestic Substances List name Approach under which the substance was addressed References
21652-27-7 1H-Imidazole-1-ethanol, 2-(8-heptadecenyl)-4,5-dihydro-, (Z)- ERC/TTC ECCC, HC 2018b
31135-57-6 1H-Benzimidazolesulfonic acid, 2-heptadecyl-1-[(sulfophenyl)methyl]-, disodium salt ERC/Rapid Screening ECCC, HC 2018a

a The Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number (CAS RN) is the property of the American Chemical Society, and any use or redistribution, except as required in supporting regulatory requirements and/or for reports to the Government of Canada when the information and the reports are required by law or administrative policy, is not permitted without the prior, written permission of the American Chemical Society.

The ecological risks of the four substances in the Alkyl Imidazolines Group were characterized using the ERC approach (ECCC 2016a). The ERC describes the hazard of a substance using key metrics, including mode of toxic action, chemical reactivity, food web-derived internal toxicity thresholds, bioavailability, and chemical and biological activity, and considers the possible exposure of organisms in the aquatic and terrestrial environments on the basis of such factors as potential emission rates, overall persistence and long-range transport potential in air. The various lines of evidence are combined to identify substances as warranting further evaluation of their potential to cause harm to the environment or as having a low likelihood of causing harm to the environment.

This draft screening assessment includes consideration of information on chemical properties, environmental fate, hazards, uses and exposures, including additional information submitted by stakeholders. Relevant data were identified up to April 2018. Empirical data from key studies as well as some results from models were used to reach proposed conclusions. When available and relevant, information presented in assessments from other jurisdictions was considered.

This draft screening assessment was prepared by staff in the CEPA Risk Assessment Program at Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada and incorporates input from other programs within these departments. Comments on the technical portions relevant to human health were received from Dr. Andrew Ingram (independent consultant), Dr. Mercedes Fernández-Serrano (University of Granada), and Dr. Theodore Hogan (Illinois University). The ecological portion of this assessment is based on the ERC document (published July 30, 2016), which was subject to an external review as well as a 60-day public comment period. While external comments were taken into consideration, the final content and outcome of the screening assessment remain the responsibility of Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

This draft screening assessment focuses on information critical to determining whether substances meet the criteria as set out in section 64 of CEPA, by examining scientific information and incorporating a weight-of-evidence approach and precautionFootnote 4 . This draft screening assessment presents the critical information and considerations upon which the proposed conclusions are made. 

2. Identity of substances

The CAS RN, Domestic Substances List (DSL) names and common names for the individual substances and representative structures in the Alkyl Imidazolines Group are presented in Table 2‑1.  

There is considerable overlap in the common names and synonyms assigned to CAS RNs 95-38-5 and 27136-73-8 in the public domain (e.g., oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline, oleyl imidazoline) (Ash 2004, 2008, 2013a,b; Bajpai and Tyagi et al. 2007; ChemExper 2018; ChemIDPlus 2018; Chemspider 2015a, 2015b, 2015c; ECHA c2007-2017; Parchem 2018; Wilson 1941). However, the common name N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline is only associated with CAS RN 95-38-5; as such, CAS RN 95-38-5 is referred to as N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline, and CAS RN 27136-73-8 is referred to as oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline throughout this assessment. For the purposes of this draft screening assessment, CAS RNs 95-38-5 and 27136-73-8 shall be considered as separate substances with their representative structures as depicted in Table 2-1, unless otherwise indicated.

Tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline is of unknown or variable composition, complex reaction products, or biological materials (UVCB).  These materials are derived from natural sources or complex reactions and cannot be characterized in terms of constituent chemical compounds because their composition is too complex or variable. A UVCB is not an intentional mixture of discrete substances and is considered a single substance. The chemical structure shown in Table 2-1 is a representative structure of this UVCB. The molecular formula and molecular weight correspond to the structure(s) shown.

Table 2-1. Substance identities
CAS RN   DSL name (common name) Chemical structure and molecular formula Molecular weight (g/mol)
95-38-5    

1H-Imidazole-1-ethanol, 2-(8-heptadecenyl)-4,5-dihydro-

(N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline)

OCCN(C(=NC1)CCCCCCCC=CCCCCCCCC)C1C22H42N2O 350.59
27136-73-8    

1H-Imidazole-1-ethanol, 2-(heptadecenyl)-4,5-dihydro-

(Oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline)

OCCN1C(=NCC1)CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC=CC22H42N2O 350.59
68442-97-7    

1H-Imidazole-1-ethanamine, 4,5-dihydro-, 2-nortall-oil alkyl derivs.

(Tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline)    

CCCCCCCC/C=C\CCCCCCCC1=NCCN1CCN
Where R =
CCCCCCCCC=CCCCCCCC
(oleic derivative)
or
CCCCCCCC=CCC=CCCCCC
(linoleic derivative)
C22H43N2 or C22H45N3
349.61 or 351.62  
68966-38-1    

1H-Imidazole-1-ethanol, 4,5-dihydro-2-isoheptadecyl-

(Isostearyl imidazoline)

OCCN1C(=NCC1)CCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(C)CC22H44N2O 352.61

2.1 Selection of analogues

A read-across approach using data from one of the substances in the group as an analogue for two other substances in the group has been used to inform the human health assessment. The analogue, N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline, was selected based on the similarity of its chemical structure and physical and chemical properties to oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline and isostearyl imidazoline (see Appendix B for further information). It had relevant empirical hazard data that was used for read-across to fill in data gaps for the other two substances. Details of the read-across data chosen to inform the human health assessment of the Alkyl Imidazolines Group are further discussed in section 6.2.

3. Physical and chemical properties

A summary of available physical and chemical property data of the substances in the Alkyl Imidazolines Group are presented in Table 3‑1. Experimental information regarding the physical and chemical properties of these substances is limited. Additional physical and chemical properties are presented in ECCC (2016b) and are based on data from (Q)SAR models.

Table 3-1. Key physical and chemical property values (at standard temperature) for substances in the alkyl imidazolines group
Substance N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline Oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline Tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline Isostearyl imidazoline Reference(s)
Vapour pressure (Pa)a 4.08 ×10-8 3.09 ×10-8 2.50 ×10-6,b 1.01 ×10-7 EPI Suite c2000-2012
Henry’s law constant (atm·m3/mol)c 1.77 ×10-6 5.60 ×10-9 1.60 ×10-8,b 2.01 ×10-6 EPI Suite c2000-2012
Water solubility (mg/L)d 3.10 ×10-3 2.35 ×10-3 0.594b 2.29 ×10-3 EPI Suite c2000-2012
log Kow (dimensionless)e 7.37 7.51 5.9b 7.51 EPI Suite c2000-2012
log Koc (dimensionless)f 5.1 5.1 5.8b 5.0 EPI Suite c2000-2012

Abbreviation: N/A, not applicable.

a Vapour pressure was modeled using the Modified Grain Method in MPBPVP v1.43 (EPI Suite c2000-2012)

b Mean of results for oleic acid deriv. and linoleic acid deriv.

c Henry’s Law Constant was modeled using HENRYWIN v3.20 (EPI Suite c2000-2012)

d Water solubility was modeled using WSKOW v1.42 (EPI Suite c2000-2012) using the octanol-water partition coefficient (log Kow) that was estimated using KOWWIN v1.68 (EPI Suite c2000-2012)

e The log Kow was modeled using KOWWIN v1.68 (EPI Suite c2000-2012)

f Soil adsorption coefficient (log Koc) was modeled using KOCWIN v2.00 (EPI Suite c2000-2012)

4. Sources and uses

None of the substances in the Alkyl Imidazolines Group occur naturally. These substances have been included in a survey under section 71 of CEPA (Environment Canada 2013). No importing was reported for isostearyl imidazoline above the reporting threshold of 100 kg in the 2011 calendar year. Table 4‑1 presents a summary of the total reported import quantities for the remaining substances in the Alkyl Imidazolines Group. No manufacturing activities were reported above the reporting threshold for any of the substances.

Table 4-1. Summary of information on Canadian imports of the alkyl imidazolines group submitted pursuant to a survey under section 71 of CEPAa
Substance Total imports (kg) Reporting year
N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline 100 000 – 1 000 000 2011
Oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline 22 072 2011
Tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline 10 000 – 100 000 2011

a Values reflect quantities reported in response to a survey conducted under section 71 of CEPA (Environment Canada 2013). See survey for specific inclusions and exclusions (schedules 2 and 3).

Confirmed uses in Canada based on use codes reported by submitters pursuant to a survey under section 71 of CEPA are presented in Table 4‑2. Other uses were also reported but were identified as being confidential business information. These other uses, although not presented in this draft screening assessment report, were taken into consideration in the risk assessment.

Table 4-2. Summary of Canadian uses of the alkyl imidazolines group (on the basis of information obtained from a section 71 survey conducted under CEPA)
Major usesa N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline Oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline Tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline Isostearyl imidazoline
Lubricants and greases Y Yb N N
Oil and natural gas extraction Yc N N N
Raw material to blend into industrial products N N Yd N

Abbreviations: Y = yes this use was reported for this substance; N = no this use was not reported for this substance.

a Non-confidential uses reported in response to the survey conducted under section 71 of CEPA (Environment Canada  2013). See survey for specific inclusions and exclusions (schedules 2 and 3).

b Expected to be industrial or specialized use only that would not be expected to result in exposures to the Canadian general population.

c No consumer use reported.

d Corrosion inhibitor and anti-scaling agent

The substances in the Alkyl Imidazolines Group are not listed in the Lists of Permitted Food Additives in Canada (Health Canada [modified 2017]). They were not identified as being used or present as components in the manufacture of food packaging materials, but N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline and oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline were identified as components in incidental additives in food processing establishments. N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline is used as a component in lubricants and degreasers used on non-food contact surfaces only, and oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline is used as a component in lubricants with non-food contact (personal communication, email from the Food Directorate, Health Canada, to the Existing Substances Risk Assessment Bureau, Health Canada, dated January 2017; unreferenced).

On the basis of notifications submitted under the Cosmetic Regulations to Health Canada, isostearyl imidazoline has been notified to be present in a limited number of cosmetics (e.g., hair conditioners) (personal communication, emails from the Consumer Product Safety Directorate, Health Canada, to the Existing Substances Risk Assessment Bureau, Health Canada, November 2017; unreferenced).

No uses were identified for substances in the Alkyl Imidazolines Group as either medicinal or non-medicinal ingredients in drugs or natural health products in Canada (LNHPD [modified 2018]; NHPID [modified 2018]; personal communication, email from the Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate, Health Canada, to the Existing Substances Risk Assessment Bureau, Health Canada, dated January 2017; unreferenced; personal communication, email from the Therapeutic Products Directorate, Health Canada, to the Existing Substances Risk Assessment Bureau, Health Canada, dated January 2017; unreferenced).

The substances in this Group are not on the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) Pesticide Formulants List or on PMRA’s List of Active Pesticide Ingredients (Health Canada 2010; personal communication, emails from the Pest Management Regulatory Agency, Health Canada, to the Existing Substances Risk Assessment Bureau, Health Canada, dated January 2017; unreferenced; Pesticide Label Search [modified 2016]).

Other use information from publically available data has been identified for the substances in the Alkyl Imidazolines Group. Specific products identified on the market containing N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline are paint removers (e.g. MSDS 2017) and greases (e.g. SDS 2016c, 2017a, b). In addition, specific products identified on the market containing oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline are lubricants and greases, corrosion inhibitors, and disinfectants for industrial use (e.g. MSDS 2000; SDS 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016a,b,d, 2017c, 2018).

5. Potential to cause ecological harm

5.1 Characterization of ecological risk

The ecological risks of the substances in the Alkyl Imidazolines Group were characterized using the ecological risk classification of organic substances (ERC) (ECCC 2016a). The ERC is a risk-based approach that considers multiple metrics for both hazard and exposure, on the basis of weighted consideration of multiple lines of evidence for determining risk classification. The various lines of evidence are combined to discriminate between substances of lower or higher potency and lower or higher potential for exposure in various media. This approach reduces the overall uncertainty with risk characterization compared to an approach that relies on a single metric in a single medium (e.g., median lethal dose [LC50]) for characterization. Since tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline is a UVCB substance and could not be suitably represented by a single chemical structure, a manual judgement-based approach to classification was used. The following summarizes the approach, which is described in detail in ECCC (2016a).

Data on physical-chemical properties, fate (chemical half-lives in various media and biota, partition coefficients, and fish bioconcentration), acute fish ecotoxicity, and chemical import or manufacture volume in Canada were collected from the scientific literature, available empirical databases (e.g., OECD QSAR Toolbox 2016), and from responses to surveys conducted under section 71 of CEPA, or they were generated using selected quantitative structure-activity relationship ([Q]SAR) or mass-balance fate and bioaccumulation models. These data were used as inputs to other mass-balance models or to complete the substance hazard and exposure profiles.

Hazard profiles were based principally on metrics regarding mode of toxic action, chemical reactivity, food web-derived internal toxicity thresholds, bioavailability, and chemical and biological activity. Exposure profiles were also based on multiple metrics, including potential emission rate, overall persistence, and long-range transport potential. Hazard and exposure profiles were compared to decision criteria in order to classify the hazard and exposure potentials for each organic substance as low, moderate, or high. Additional rules were applied (e.g., classification consistency, margin of exposure) to refine the preliminary classifications of hazard or exposure. However, in the case of the tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline, hazard and exposure could not be fully profiled because of the lack of a representative structure to estimate needed properties and the lack of empirical data for these properties. Therefore, manual classification of hazard and exposure was performed through examination of the UVCB constituents and information obtained from section 71 surveys under CEPA, and decisions were based on consideration of similar substances and application of expert judgement.

A risk matrix was used to assign a low, moderate or high classification of potential risk for each substance on the basis of its hazard and exposure classifications. ERC classifications of potential risk were verified using a two-step approach. The first step adjusted the risk classification outcomes from moderate or high to low for substances that had a low estimated rate of emission to water after wastewater treatment, representing a low potential for exposure. The second step reviewed low risk potential classification outcomes using relatively conservative, local-scale (i.e., in the area immediately surrounding a point-source of discharge) risk scenarios, designed to be protective of the environment, to determine whether the classification of potential risk should be increased.

ERC uses a weighted approach to minimize the potential for both over and under classification of hazard, exposure and subsequent risk. The balanced approaches for dealing with uncertainties are described in greater detail in ECCC 2016a. The following describes two of the more substantial areas of uncertainty. Error with empirical or modeled acute toxicity values could result in changes in classification of hazard, particularly metrics relying on tissue residue values (i.e., mode of toxic action), many of which are predicted values from (Q)SAR models. However, the impact of this error is mitigated by the fact that overestimation of median lethality will result in a conservative (protective) tissue residue value used for critical body residue (CBR) analysis. Error with underestimation of acute toxicity will be mitigated through the use of other hazard metrics such as structural profiling of mode of action, reactivity and/or estrogen binding affinity. Changes or errors in chemical quantity could result in differences in classification of exposure as the exposure and risk classifications are highly sensitive to emission rate and use quantity. The ERC classifications thus reflect exposure and risk in Canada based on what is believed to be the current use quantity and may not reflect future trends.

Critical data and considerations used to develop the substance-specific profiles for the substances in the Alkyl Imidazolines Group, and the hazard, exposure and risk classification results are presented in ECCC (2016b).

The hazard and exposure classifications for the substances in the Alkyl Imidazolines Group are summarized in Table 5-1.

Table 5-1. Ecological risk classification results for the substances in the alkyl imidazolines group.
Substance ERC hazard classification ERC exposure classification ERC risk classification
N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline high low moderate
Oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline high low moderate
Tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline moderate low moderate
Isostearyl imidazoline high low low

According to information considered under ERC, N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline and oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline were classified as having low exposure potentials.  They were classified as having high hazard potentials on the basis of the agreement between reactive mode of action and elevated toxicity ratio, both of which suggest that these chemicals are likely of high potency. These two substances were profiled to have moderate potential to cause adverse effects in aquatic food webs given their bioaccumulation potential, and were classified as having moderate potential for ecological risk. The potential effects and how they may manifest in the environment were not further investigated due to the low exposure of these substances. On the basis of current use patterns, these substances are unlikely to be resulting in concerns for the environment in Canada.

According to information considered under ERC, tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline was classified as having a low exposure potential, although with greater potential for local-scale exposures. It was classified as having a moderate hazard potential with a high potential to cause adverse effects in aquatic food webs given its bioaccumulation potential; therefore, this substance was classified as having a moderate potential for ecological risk. The potential effects and how they may manifest in the environment were not further investigated due to the low exposure of this substance.  On the basis of current use patterns, this substance is unlikely to be resulting in concerns the environment in Canada.

According to information considered under ERC, isostearyl imidazoline was classified as having a low exposure potential.  Isostearyl imidazoline was classified as having a high hazard potential on the basis of the agreement between reactive mode of action and elevated toxicity ratio, both of which suggest that this chemical is likely of high potency. Isostearyl imidazoline was profiled to have a moderate potential to cause adverse effects in aquatic food webs given its bioaccumulation potential.  Isostearyl imidazoline was classified as having a moderate potential for ecological risk. However, the risk classification was decreased to low potential for ecological risk following the adjustment of risk classification based on current use quantities (see section 7.1.1. of the ERC approach document [ECCC 2016a]).The potential effects and how they may manifest in the environment were not further investigated due to the low exposure of these substances. On the basis of current use patterns, this substance is unlikely to be resulting in concerns for the environment in Canada.

6. Potential to cause harm to human health

6.1 Exposure assessment

Potential exposures to substances in the Alkyl Imidazolines Group from environmental media, food, and products available to consumers are presented in this section. For each substance, exposure scenarios resulting in the highest exposures were selected to characterize risk. Additional details regarding the exposure scenarios are summarized in Appendix A.

Environmental media

Substances in the Alkyl Imidazolines Group were not identified or measured in any environmental media in Canada.

The uses of N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline, oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline, and tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline identified through information submitted pursuant to a survey under section 71 of CEPA (Environment Canada 2013) indicate that releases of these substances to the Canadian environment may result from various industrial processes. Such releases are expected to occur primarily through wastewater treatment systems (WWTSs), wherein treatment technologies would only partially remove these substances. As such, environmental releases of these substances could contribute to general population exposure through drinking water. There is limited use of these substances in products that would be expected to be poured or washed down-the-drain by consumers.

Given the absence of surface water and drinking water monitoring data for substances in the Alkyl Imidazolines Group in Canada or elsewhere, industrial release scenarios using the Environmental Assessment Unit (EAU) Drinking Water Spreadsheet were used to derive the theoretical concentration of each of N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline, oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline, and tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline in surface water as a surrogate for drinking water (Health Canada 2015). Total annual usage corresponding to the maximum import quantities identified through section 71 survey data (i.e., 1 000 000 kg for N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline, 22 072 kg for oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline, and 100 000 kg for tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline), removal percentages of these substances by wastewater treatment plants of 88% for N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline, 82% for oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline, and 81% for tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline (ECCC 2016b), a flow rate of 21.33 m3/s (50th percentile) as a generic default river, and a conservative worst-case percent release to wastewater of 100% (for industrial release scenarios) were used as inputs. Default dilution factors (i.e., corresponding to waste water flows and receiving water flows) that were most appropriate to the scenarios were used. The resulting surface water concentrations and upper-bounding theoretical intake estimates for drinking water for formula-fed infants (0 – 0.5 years) are provided in Table 6‑1.

Table 6-1. Estimated theoretical exposures to N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline, oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline, and tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline from drinking water, derived from estimated surface water concentrations
Substance   Surface water concentration from industrial releases (mg/L)a Daily exposure from drinking water resulting from industrial release  scenarios, formula-fed infants (mg/kg bw per day)b
N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazolinec 2.7 × 10-1 2.9 × 10-2
Oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazolinec 8.8 × 10-3 9.4 × 10-4
Tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline 4.2 × 10-2 4.5 × 10-3

a It is acknowledged that these surface water concentrations are highly conservative given that a 100% emission factor was used and that it was assumed that all releases are from a single facility. Therefore, the estimated concentrations would likely overestimate actual concentrations.

b A drinking water intake rate of 0.8 L/day and a body weight of 7.5 kg were used (Health Canada 1998).

c It is noted that the predicted surface water concentration for industrial releases is greater than the water solubility reported in Table 3-1. As such, the actual dissolved concentration in surface water may not be  able to achieve the theoretical estimate reported in this table.

For isostearyl imidazoline, due to the lack of reported commercial activity in Canada (i.e., above reporting thresholds; see Sources and Uses section), exposure from environmental media that could impact human health of the general population is not expected for this substance.

Food

Substances in the Alkyl Imidazolines Group were not reported to be present in food or in formulations of food packaging materials;  N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline and oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline were identified as components in incidental additives, i.e., as components in lubricants and degreasers used on non-food contact surfaces (personal communication, email from the Food Directorate, Health Canada, to the Existing Substances Risk Assessment Bureau, Health Canada, dated January 2017; unreferenced). As there is no potential for food contact, exposure of the general population to these substances from their use in incidental additives is not expected.

Products available to consumers

Exposures to the Canadian general population from the use of products available to consumers containing substances in the Alkyl Imidazolines Group were estimated and scenarios that resulted in the highest potential exposures for each substance are presented in Table 6-2.

Oral exposures to the Alkyl Imidazolines Group are not expected from products available to consumers based on the uses and products identified in Canada.

Estimated dermal exposures from substances in the Alkyl Imidazolines Group to the Canadian general population are presented in Table 6-2.  The dermal maximum fluxes (Jmax) for N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline, oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline, and isostearyl imidazoline, predicted using their water solubility values and dermal permeability coefficients estimated using the Potts and Guy (1992) algorithm (adjusted as per Cleek and Bunge 1993), range from 3.03 x 10-4 to 4.08 x 10-4 μg/cm2·h. Kroes et al. (2007) binned Jmax values into three bins, and the values for these three substances fall into the lowest bin (i.e., <0.1 μg/cm2·h), for which Kroes et al. suggested a 10% default dermal absorption fraction. As such, the dermal absorption of 10% was applied for these three substances.

Estimated inhalation exposures from use of aerosol products are presented in Table 6-2.  Due to the very low vapour pressures (10-6 Pa or lower at 25°C) of all four members of the Alkyl Imidazolines Group, any potential non-aerosol exposures via the inhalation route are not expected. 

Table 6-2. Estimated exposures from substances in the alkyl imidazolines group to the Canadian general population
Substance Product scenario Age group Concentration Dermal exposurea Inhalation exposurea Total exposure
N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline Paint removerb Adult 3% 0.083 mg/kg bw per event 0.098 mg/kg bw per event 0.18 mg/kg bw per event
Oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline Lubricant and rust blocker (aerosol)c Adult 2.5% 0.026 mg/kg bw per event 0.047 mg/kg bw per event 0.073 mg/kg bw per event
Isostearyl imidazoline Hair conditioner Toddler, child, teen, adult 0.3% 0.0056 to 0.017 mg/kg bw per event; 0.0061 to 0.0078 mg/kg bw per  day N/A 0.0056 to 0.017 mg/kg bw per event; 0.0061 to 0.0078 mg/kg bw per  day

Abbreviation: N/A, not applicable.

a A dermal absorption factor of 10% was applied for N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline, oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline, and isostearyl imidazoline. Inhalation absorption was assumed to be 100% (relative to oral absorption).

b MSDS 2017

c SDS 2011

Potential uses of products containing tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline are expected to be limited to industrial or specialized applications that would not be expected to result in exposures to the Canadian general population.

6.2 Health effects assessment

There were limited chemical-specific hazard data for the substances in the Alkyl Imidazolines Group. A read-across approach was used where required. A summary of chemical-specific data and analogue data are presented below.

N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline

Limited toxicological studies have been identified for N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline. An OECD 422 combined repeated dose toxicity study with reproductive/developmental toxicity screening test in Wistar rats was submitted by BASF to the US EPA and was identified in this assessment as a key study for the hazard identification of the substance (US EPA 2010a). Male and female rats were administered N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline, via gavage, at doses of 0, 5, 20 or 100 mg/kg bw/day. Since severe clinical signs (i.e., respiration sounds), reduced body weights and death of one female animal occurred in the high dose group during the first week of the study, the high dose level (100 mg/kg bw/day) was reduced to 60 mg/kg bw/day for the females on study day 8 and for the males on study day 9, and onward to the end of the administration period (at least 28 days).

No exposure related effects on fertility or adverse effects on pups were observed at any dose tested. No parental effects were observed in the low dose and mid dose groups. In the high dose group, significantly decreased food consumption in males during the first two study weeks and in females in the first study week were observed. Significantly decreased body weight was observed in both sexes. In addition, one male and one female adult rat in the high dose group were sacrificed in a moribund state in study week 2 and showed severe dilation of the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract and severe reduction in the size of the thymus (US EPA 2010a). No relevant findings upon histopathological examination of the pups were identified.  

Although not discussed in the study, on the basis of the above information it appears that the severe dilation of the GI tract observed in the high dose group may have been  GI tract irritation/corrosion-mediated toxicity due to the corrosive nature of this substance (Classification for skin corrosion/irritation: 1C, SDS 2016e). The reduction in size of the thymus appears to be an effect due to stress in dying animals. The decreased body weight is considered likely to be related to the irritation effect and/or secondary to decreased food consumption. Therefore, a NOAEL of 20 mg/kg bw/day based on reduced body weight is considered a conservative point of departure.

N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline tested negative in bacterial mutation assays. It also tested negative in in vitro chromosomal aberration and mammalian cell gene mutation assays (ECHA c2007-2017).

No chronic repeated dose studies and carcinogenicity studies were available for this substance.

Oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline and Isostearyl Imidazoline

In the absence of substance-specific hazard data for oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline and isostearyl Imidazoline, N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline is selected as the analogue for these two substances based on the similarity of their chemical structures and physical and chemical properties. The hazard data for this analogue are summarized above.

Tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline

Tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline has been evaluated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA 2010b) as one of the substances in the fatty nitrogen derived Imidazoline derivatives category for a screening level hazard characterization. However, no repeated dose hazard data were available for tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline in that assessment.  In 2014, two repeated dose studies were submitted to the US EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (US EPA 2014).  One study was an OECD 422 combined repeated dose toxicity study with reproductive/developmental toxicity screening test in Wistar rats. Male and female rats were administered tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline via gavage, at doses of 0, 10, 30 or 100 mg/kg bw/day. Males were exposed to the substance for 28 days, i.e., 2 weeks prior to mating, during mating, and up to termination or start of recovery phase. Females were exposed for at least 42 days, i.e., 2 weeks prior to mating, during mating, during post-coitum, and for at least 4 days of lactation. No reproductive or developmental effects were observed up to the highest dose tested (100 mg/kg bw/day) in this study. Formation of foamy macrophages was observed in various tissues in the experimental animals at all doses (US EPA 2014). However, this observation is considered as an indication of exposure rather than of adverse effects since no toxicologically significant changes were observed in the exposed animals.

Tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline was also tested in a 90-day repeated dose study with the same dose levels as the above OECD 422 study (0, 10, 30 or 100 mg/kg bw/day), via gavage. Significantly reduced body weight was observed in the rats exposed to the substance at 100 mg/kg bw/day and in a dose dependent manner. Foamy macrophages were observed in different tissues, but that is also considered as an indication of exposure rather than of adverse effects (US EPA 2014). Therefore, a NOAEL of 30 mg/kg bw/day is considered as a point of departure based on the reduced body weight.

No chronic repeated dose, carcinogenicity, or genotoxicity studies were identified for tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline. However, (Q)SAR models provided an overall negative prediction for genotoxicity for this substance (Derek Nexus 2016; Leadscope Model Applier 2015; Times 2016).

6.3 Characterization of risk to human health

N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline

On the basis of available information, a NOAEL of 20 mg/kg bw/day was identified based on the OECD 422 combined repeated dose and reproductive/developmental toxicity study. A comparison of the NOAEL of 20 mg/kg bw/day to the estimated per event exposure from using a paint remover (0.18 mg/kg bw per event as total exposure) and to the estimated daily oral exposure from drinking water for formula-fed infants (2.9 × 10-2 mg/kg bw per day) results in respective margins of exposure of approximately 110 and 690. These margins are considered adequate to address uncertainties in the exposure and health effects databases.

Oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline

No chemical-specific hazard data were available for oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline. N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline was selected as an analogue for this substance based on the similarity of their chemical structures and physical and chemical properties.  Therefore, the point of departure for N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline, namely the NOAEL of 20 mg/kg bw/day, was used. A comparison of the NOAEL to the estimated per event exposure from using a lubricant and rust blocker aerosol product (0.073 mg/kg bw per event as total exposure) and to the estimated daily oral exposure from drinking water for formula-fed infants (9.4 × 10-4 mg/kg bw per day) results in respective margins of exposure of approximately 270 and 21 000.  These margins are considered adequate to address uncertainties in the exposure and health effects databases.

Tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline

On the basis of available information, a NOAEL of 30 mg/kg bw/day was identified based on reduced body weight observed in rats exposed to tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline in a 90-day repeated dose oral study. A comparison of the NOAEL to the estimated theoretical daily oral exposure from drinking water for formula-fed infants (4.5 × 10-3 mg/kg bw per day) results in a margin of exposure of approximately 6700. This margin is considered adequate to address uncertainties in the exposure and health effects databases.

Isostearyl imidazoline

No chemical-specific hazard data were available for isostearyl imidazoline. N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline was selected as an analogue for this substance based on the similarity of their chemical structures and physical and chemical properties.  Therefore, the point of departure for N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline, namely the NOAEL of 20 mg/kg bw/day, was used. A comparison of the NOAEL to the estimated per event and daily dermal exposures from use in hair conditioners (0.0056 to 0.017 mg/kg bw per event; 0.0061 to 0.0078 mg/kg bw per day) results in margins of exposure ranging from approximately 1200 to 3600. These margins are considered adequate to address uncertainties in the exposure and health effects databases.

6.4 Uncertainties in evaluation of risk to human health

The key sources of uncertainty are presented in Table 6‑3.

Table 6-3. Sources of uncertainty in the risk characterization
Key sources of uncertainty Impact
Modelled environmental concentrations for N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline, oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline, and tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline were used in the absence of monitoring data. +
A default dermal absorption factor of 10% was applied to N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline, oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline, and isostearyl imidazoline in the absence of chemical-specific empirical dermal absorption data. +/-
There were no animal studies via dermal and inhalation routes available for the Alkyl Imidazolines Group. +/-
There were no chronic or carcinogenicity studies available for the Alkyl Imidazolines Group. +/-
The hazard information used for characterization of risk from exposure to oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline and isostearyl imidazoline was from their analogue N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline. +/-

+ = uncertainty with potential to cause over-estimation of exposure/risk; - = uncertainty with potential to cause

under-estimation of exposure risk+/- = unknown potential to cause over or under estimation of risk.

7. Conclusion

Considering all available lines of evidence presented in this draft screening assessment, there is low risk of harm to the environment from substances in the Alkyl Imidazolines Group. It is proposed to conclude N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline; oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline; tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline; and isostearyl imidazoline do not meet the criteria under paragraphs 64(a) or (b) of CEPA as they are not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that have or may have an immediate or long-term harmful effect on the environment or its biological diversity or that constitute or may constitute a danger to the environment on which life depends.

On the basis of the information presented in this draft screening assessment, it is proposed to conclude that N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline; oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline; tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline; and isostearyl imidazoline do not meet the criteria under paragraph 64(c) of CEPA as they are not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health.

It is therefore proposed to conclude that N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline; oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline; tall oil, diethylenetriamine imidazoline; and isostearyl imidazoline do not meet any of the criteria set out in section 64 of CEPA.

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Appendix A. Estimated potential human exposures to alkyl imidazolines from products used by consumers

Exposures were estimated on the basis of the default body weights (BW), i.e., 7.5 kg for an infant, 15.5 kg for a toddler, 31.0 kg for a child, 59.4 kg for a teenager, and 70.9 kg for an adult (Health Canada 1998), and anticipated use patterns. When concentrations were used to determine exposure estimates, the upper-bounding values were used as a conservative approach. Table A-1 details the parameters used in the sentinel exposure scenarios. For dermal absorption estimates, a dermal absorption factor of 10% was applied for N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline, oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline, and isostearyl imidazoline, and an overall retention factor of 1 was used unless otherwise specified. Inhalation absorption was assumed to be 100% (relative to oral absorption).

Table A-1. Sentinel exposure scenario assumptions
Sentinel exposure scenario Assumptions
Paint removera   (N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline) Concentration: 3% (MSDS 2017)
Age group: Adult

For estimated per event dermal exposure, default parameters for direct product contact – constant rate, spray paint product, pneumatic spraying (ConsExpo Web 2016) were used to conservatively estimate exposure during spraying activity and an additional product amount of 500 mg was assumed (based on professional judgement and in alignment with the liquid paint remover scenario presented in RIVM (2007)) to account for potential exposures during the removal of pulps and remnants. The brush-on application of the paint remover is expected to result in lower exposures than the spray application.

Product amount in contact with skin as a result of spraying activity: 1463 mg (based on a dermal contact rate of 110 mg/min and a release duration of 13.3 min)

Additional product amount in contact with skin during subsequent removal of pulps and remnants: 500 mg

Total product amount: 1963 mg

For estimated per event inhalation exposure from spray application, it was conservatively assumed that no respirator is worn by the user. The use of an airless sprayer is anticipated to result in higher inhalation exposures compared to use of a high volume low pressure spray gun to apply paint remover based on the lower transfer efficiencies for airless sprayers (ConsExpo Web 2016; Envirowise 2003; Home Depot 2018). The parameters for characterizing exposure from this use are presented here.

Breathing zone concentration of respirable paint aerosols: 5.14 mg/m3 (maximum concentration presented in study (NPCA 2004), used as a surrogate for concentration of respirable paint remover aerosols, and without adjustment for the weight fraction as a conservative approach)Inhalation rate: 0.675 m3/hour (Health Canada 1998)
Exposure duration: 2 hours (professional judgement)
Lubricant and rust blocker (aerosol)b (oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline) Concentration: 2.5% (SDS 2011) Age group: Adult

For estimated per event dermal exposure, default parameters for direct product contact – constant rate, spray painting product, spray can (ConsExpo Web 2016) were used unless noted otherwise:

Contact rate: 100 mg/min
Release duration: 7.5 min (based on ConsExpo Web 2016 and product specifications (SDS 2011))

For estimated per event inhalation exposure, default parameters for spray model, spray painting product, spray can (ConsExpo Web 2016) were used unless noted otherwise:

Spray duration: 7.5 minutes (based on ConsExpo Web 2016 and product specifications (SDS 2011))
Exposure duration: 12.5 minutes (based on ConsExpo Web 2016  and product specifications (SDS 2011))
Room volume: 34 m3
Room height: 2.25 m
Ventilation rate: 1.5 per hour
Inhalation rate: 16.2 m3/day (Health Canada 1998)
Density: 0.905 g/cm3 (SDS 2011)
Mass generation rate: 0.40 g/s (based on ConsExpo Web 2016  and product specifications (SDS 2011))
Airborne fraction: 0.7 Inhalation cut off diameter: 15 µm

Hair conditioner (isostearyl imidazoline) Concentration: 0.3% (personal communication, email from the Consumer Product Safety Directorate, Health Canada, to the Existing Substances Risk Assessment Bureau, Health Canada, dated November 2017; unreferenced)
Age groups: Toddler, child, teenager, and adult

For estimated per event and daily dermal exposures:

Frequency: 13.5/month for toddlers, 14.9/month for children, and 1.1/day for teenagers and adults (Loretz et al. 2008; Wu et al. 2010)
Product amount: 8.9 g/application for toddlers, and 13.1 g/application for children, teenagers and adults (Loretz et al. 2008)
Retention factor: 0.1 (based on the conservative assumption that the particular product notified may be a leave-in conditioner, i.e., transfer factor from hair to scalp of 0.1 and rinse-off factor of 1, as another leave-in conditioner product containing isostearyl imidazoline at a lower concentration was also identified from the public domain (MSDS 2010)) (SCCS 2012)

a Based on the product description, there are various potential methods of applying the product, including the use of a spray or brush. These various application methods were considered, and the pneumatic spray scenario in ConsExpo Web (2016) was selected to represent the sentinel paint remover scenario as it resulted in the highest levels of exposures (i.e., in comparison to the exposures resulting from the brush-on paint remover scenario from ConsExpo Web 2016).

b Using certain spray can default values in ConsExpo Web (2016) that are based on a paint scenario for a lubricant and rust blocker aerosol product is a source of uncertainty. Product specific adjustments were made where possible including the assumption that one can of the product (200 mL) was used per application event.

Appendix B. Read-across approach

Table B-1. Considerations for selection of analogues for the alkyl imidazolines group
Criteria Rationale
1) Similarity of chemical structure. Suitable analogues must contain an imidazoline moiety unless they are found to be significant transformation products/metabolites. They should also otherwise be similar in overall chemical structure (e.g., common functional groups, carbon chain-length). Chemicals that have similar chemical structures are more likely to exhibit similarity in terms of biological activity (e.g., health effects, bioavailability, toxicokinetics).    
2) Similarity of structural alerts identified by toxicological profilers in the OECD QSAR Toolbox that are relevant to the endpoint(s) of interest. Suitable analogues should have similar structural alerts (or lack thereof) in comparison to the target chemical. Chemicals with similar structural alerts are more likely to exhibit similarity in terms of health effects.
3) Similarity of physical chemical properties. Suitable analogues should have similar molecular weight, water solubility, vapour pressure, and log Kow. Chemicals with similar physical chemical properties are more likely to exhibit similarity in terms of bioavailability and toxicokinetics.
4) Availability of health effects data. Suitable analogues must have health effects data available for the endpoint(s) of interest.   Only analogues with available hazard data for the endpoint(s) of interest and are of sufficient quality were considered applicable for read-across purposes.
Table B-2. Summary of available data on physical-chemical properties and health effects for the alkyl imidazoline substances requiring read-across and their selected analogue
Chemical name N-b-hydroxyethyl oleyl imidazoline (analogue) Oleyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline Isostearyl imidazoline
CAS RN 95-38-5 27136-73-8 68966-38-1
Structure OCCN(C(=NC1)CCCCCCCC=CCCCCCCCC)C1 OCCN1C(=NCC1)CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC=C OCCN1C(=NCC1)CCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(C)C
MW (g/mol) 350.59 350.59 352.61
Vapour pressure (Pa) 4.08 ×10-8 3.09 ×10-8 1.01 ×10-7
Water solubility
(mg/L)
3.10 ×10-3 2.35 ×10-3 2.29 ×10-3
log Kow (dimensionless) 7.37 7.51 7.51
Oral LD50 (mg/kg) 822-1085a - -
Dermal LD50 (mg/kg) 300-1000b - -
Skin irritation /sensitization Severe skin irritation/corrosion Severe skin irritationc Severe skin sensitizationd
Repeated dose toxicity (mg/kg bw/day) NOAEL=20 (point of contact effect) - -
Genotoxicity Negative - -
Carcinogenicity - - -
Reproductive/ Developmental Toxicity (mg/kg bw/day) No effects at the highest dose tested (i.e., 100) -   -

a Ciba-Geigy Corporation 1970; ECHA c2007-2017

b Union Carbide Corporation 1961

c Haz-Map 2017

d Ciba-Geigy Corporation 1992

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