1,4-Benzenediamine, N,N'-mixed tolyl and xylyl derivatives (BENTAX)

CAS Registry Number 68478-45-5

What is it?

• 1,4-Benzenediamine, N,N'-mixed tolyl and xylyl derivatives, also known as BENTAX, is an industrial chemical.

How is it used?

• BENTAX is used in rubber product manufacturing.
• This substance is not manufactured in Canada but is imported into Canada.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it?

• Prior to assessment, BENTAX was identified as a potential concern to the environment based on information regarding possible persistence, accumulation in organisms and potential to cause harm to organisms.
• BENTAX was not considered to be a high priority for assessment of potential risks to human health; however, potential health effects were also evaluated in this screening assessment.

How is it released to the environment?

• BENTAX may be released to the environment as a result of industrial processes and during the use and disposal of products containing this substance.

How are Canadians exposed to it?

• The general population is not expected to be exposed to BENTAX through environmental media or from the use of consumer products.

What are the results of the assessment?

• The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of BENTAX called a screening assessment.
• Screening assessments address potential for harm to the general population (not including workplace exposures) and the environment.
• Results of the final screening assessment indicate that although BENTAX has the potential to remain in the environment for a long time, it is not expected to accumulate in organisms.
• However, the quantity of BENTAX that may be released to the environment is below the level expected to cause harm to organisms.
• The Government of Canada has therefore concluded that BENTAX is not entering the environment in a quantity or under conditions that constitute a danger to the environment.
• The Government of Canada has also concluded that BENTAX is not considered to be harmful to the health of the general population at current levels of exposure.

What is the Government of Canada doing?

• Exposure of the general population of Canada to BENTAX is expected to be low and the Government of Canada is proposing additional action so that exposure remains low.
• The application of the Significant New Activity Notice (SNAc) provisions to this substance will be recommended. This would require that any proposed new manufacture, import or use be subject to further assessment, and would determine if the new activity requires further risk management consideration.
• The final screening assessment and the proposed risk management approach documents were published on September 10, 2011. The publication of the proposed risk management approach document will be followed by a 60-day comment period, ending November 9, 2011.

What can Canadians do?

• The health risks associated with a chemical depend on the hazard (its potential to cause health effects) and the dose (the amount of chemical to which you are exposed). BENTAX is not a concern for the health of the general population in Canada at current levels of exposure.
• As a general precaution, Canadians are reminded when using any product to carefully follow any safety warnings and directions.
• Canadians who handle BENTAX in the workplace should consult with their occupational health and safety representative about safe handling practices, applicable laws and requirements under the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).