Toxic substances list: vanadium pentoxide

Although vanadium pentoxide is used in the manufacturing of metal alloys and sulphuric acid, Canadian data shows that it is mainly released as a part of particulate matter generated by the combustion of certain fossil fuels (e.g., heavy oil, coal). This type of combustion mainly occurs at industrial facilities such as coal-fired and oil-fired power generation plants, petroleum refineries, pulp and paper mills, and cement plants.  Canadians could be exposed to low levels of vanadium pentoxide by inhaling air containing this particulate matter. Exposure to vanadium pentoxide may also occur from its natural presence in food and soil.

On September 18, 2010, the Ministers of the Environment and of Health published, in Part I of the Canada Gazette, their final decision on the screening assessment of vanadium pentoxide. It concluded that vanadium pentoxide may be 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. Based on the conclusions of the assessment, it is recommended that vanadium pentoxide be added to the list of toxic substances. 

Summary of risk management actions

Along with the final screening assessment, a Risk Management Approach document was published, to explain how risks associated with vanadium pentoxide would be managed. The risk management actions identified in this document sought to use the most efficient approach to manage the risks posed by the substance, including consideration of existing regulatory and voluntary initiatives already underway that would contribute to the reduction of vanadium pentoxide.  Given that it is released as part of particulate matter, the document explained that reducing emissions of particulate matter from combustion of certain fossil fuels will in turn reduce emissions of vanadium pentoxide.

Voluntary actions by industry - such as operational changes and fuel switching - have already resulted in decreased emissions. The screening assessment referenced data from the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) which indicated that in 2006 there were 156 t of vanadium and its compounds released to air.  As of 2010, that number has been reduced to 53 t, and anticipated voluntary measures may result in further reductions.

In addition, it is expected that emissions of vanadium pentoxide will be further reduced through regulatory and other initiatives that are already underway to reduce particulate matter. These include:

For more information on this substance, please visit the Chemical Substances website.

CAS (Chemical Abstract Service) registry number: 1314-62-1

Risk Assessment

Risk Management Strategy

Risk Management Instrument(s)

Contact

Substances Management Information Line
Chemicals Management Plan
Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3

Telephone: 1-800-567-1999  (in Canada) or 819-938-3232
Fax: 819-938-3231
E-mail: eccc.substances.eccc@canada.ca

 

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