ß-Alanine, N-[4-[(2-bromo-6-chloro-4-nitrophenyl)azo]phenyl]-N-(3-methoxy-3-oxopropyl)-, methyl ester (ANMOM)

CAS Registry Number 59709-38-5

What is it?

• ß-Alanine, N-[4-[(2-bromo-6-chloro-4-nitrophenyl)azo]phenyl]-N-(3-methoxy-3-oxopropyl)-, methyl ester, also known as ANMOM, is an industrial chemical.

How is it used?

• ANMOM is a disperse dye that has been used in the finishing of textiles, fabrics and apparel.
• This substance is not manufactured in Canada but was imported into Canada in 2005.

Why is the Government of Canada assessing it?

• Prior to assessment, ANMOM 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.
• ANMOM 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?

• ANMOM may be released to wastewater effluents during industrial processing and consumer use; however, releases of this substance are expected to be low.

How are Canadians exposed to it?

• The general population in Canada may be exposed to ANMOM through environmental media and from the use of consumer products (e.g., textiles and fabrics); however, these exposures are expected to be low.

What are the results of the assessment?

• The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of ANMOM called a screening assessment.
• Screening assessments address potential for harm to the general population (not including workplace exposures) and the environment.
• Results of the draft screening assessment indicate that although ANMOM has the potential to remain in the environment for a long time, it is not expected to accumulate in organisms.
• Furthermore, the quantity of ANMOM that may be released to the environment is below the level expected to cause harm to organisms.
• The Government of Canada is therefore proposing that ANMOM is not entering the environment in a quantity or under conditions that constitute a danger to the environment.
• The Government of Canada is also proposing that ANMOM 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?

• If the proposed conclusion is confirmed in the final screening assessment, the Government of Canada proposes that no further action currently be taken on ANMOM.
• The draft screening assessment report was published on January 8, 2011 and will be followed by a 60-day public comment period (from January 8, 2011 to March 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). ANMOM 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 ANMOM 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).