Siloxanes and Silicones, Me 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl, Me vinyl,hydroxy-terminated (MVTFS)

CAS Registry Number 68952-02-3

What is it?

• Siloxanes and Silicones, Me 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl, Me vinyl,hydroxy-terminated, also known as MVTFS, is an industrial chemical.

How is it used?

• MVTFS is used primarily in the manufacturing of adhesives, synthetic rubber, sealant products and in molding.
• This substance is not manufactured in Canada but is imported into Canada.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it?

• Prior to assessment, MVTFS 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.
• MVTFS 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?

• As a result of industrial use, a small fraction of this substance is estimated to be released to wastewater, while the majority is expected to end up in landfills at waste disposal sites.

How are Canadians exposed to it?

• The general population is not expected to be exposed to MVTFS 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 MVTFS 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 MVTFS has the potential to remain in the environment for a long time, it is not expected to accumulate in organisms.
• Furthermore, the quantity of MVTFS 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 MVTFS 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 MVTFS 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 to the general population of Canada to MVTFS is expected to be low and the Government of Canada is proposing additional action so that exposure remains low.
• The MVTFS available in Canada is a chemically stable polymer of low concern. The application of Reduced Regulatory Requirements (RRR) as specified in the New Substances Notification Regulations to this substance will be recommended. This would require that any proposed new manufacture, import or use of a non-low concern version of the polymer be subject to further assessment, and would determine if the new activity requires further risk management consideration.
• The final screening assessment report was published on September 10, 2011 and will be followed by a 60-day public comment period (from September 10, 2011 to 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). MVTFS is not a concern for the environment or human health 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 MVTFS 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).