Sclareol – information sheet

1 -Naphthalenepropanol, α-ethenyldecahydro-2-hydroxy-α,2,5,5,8α-pentamethyl-, [1R-[1a(R*),2ß,4αß,8αα]]-

CAS Registry Number 515-03-7

What is it?

The substance, 1-Naphthalenepropanol, α-ethenyldecahydro-2-hydroxy-α,2,5,5,8α-pentamethyl-, [1R-[1α(R*),2ß,4αß,8αα]]-, also known as sclareol, is a chemical that occurs naturally in the environment.

Sclareol is a component of clary sage essential oil, which may be used as an ingredient in cosmetics, flavouring agents, aromatherapy products, and fragrances.
Sclareol is not reported to be manufactured in or imported into Canada in quantities above 100 kg per year.

Prior to the screening assessment, sclareol 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.

Canadians may be exposed to sclareol through the use of cosmetics and other products available to consumers, however, exposure is expected to be low.

The Government of Canada has reviewed information that indicates that sclareol is potentially imported and used in small quantities in Canada.
As a result, releases of sclareol to the Canadian environment from commercial manufacture, import, or use are expected to be very low.
Sclareol may be released to the aquatic environment primarily through wastewater treatment system effluent resulting from down-the-drain releases of cosmetics and other products available to consumers that contain clary sage essential oil.

The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of sclareol, called a screening assessment.
Screening assessments address the potential for harm to the general population of Canada and the environment.
Results of the final screening assessment indicate that sclareol has the potential to remain in the environment for a long time and accumulate in organisms; however, the quantity of sclareol 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 sclareol is not entering the environment at levels that constitute a danger to the environment.
The Government of Canada has also concluded that sclareol is not harmful to human health at current levels of exposure.

The Government of Canada published the Final Screening Assessment for Sclareol on October 28, 2017.
Although sclareol is not concluded to be harmful to the environment or human health at current levels of exposure, this substance is associated with ecological effects of concern. Therefore, it may be of concern if use patterns of this substance were to change, or concentrations in the environment were to increase.
Follow-up activities to track changes in exposure and/or commercial use patterns for sclareol have been considered and the Government of Canada intends to use a mandatory information gathering mechanism for this substance, such as an inventory update. This information will be used to determine if further assessment is necessary.

The health risks associated with a chemical depend on the hazard (its potential to cause health effects) and the amount of chemical to which a person is exposed. Sclareol is not presently 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 safety warnings and directions and to dispose of the products appropriately.
Canadians who may be exposed to BAPP in the workplace should consult with their employer and occupational health and safety (OHS) representatives about safe handling practices, applicable laws and requirements under OHS legislation and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).