Phenol, 2,4,6-tris(1,1-dimethylethyl)- (2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol)

CAS Registry Number 732-26-3

The Final Screening Assessment for Phenol, 2,4,6-tris(1,1-dimethlethyl)- (2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol) was published on January 31, 2009 as part of Batch 2 of the Challenge initiative of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP). The assessment is summarized on this page.

What is it

• 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol is an industrial chemical.

How is it used

• 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol is used as a fuel or lubricant additive.
• 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol is not manufactured in Canada, however, it is imported into Canada.

Why did the Government of Canada assess It

• 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol was identified as a potential concern to the environment based on available information regarding possible persistence, accumulation and potential to cause harm to the environment.

How is it released to the environment

• 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol is added to fuels and lubricants. Most 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol is destroyed when fuels are burned, but it can be released to the environment from accidental fuel spills. It can then stay in the environment for a long time. 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol has the potential to build up in animals. It can also harm animals or plants that live in the water.

What is the Government of Canada doing

• The Government of Canada has conducted an evaluation of 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol based on science, called a screening assessment.
• The Government of Canada has determined that 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol is harmful to the environment.
• There are many existing controls in place to manage the risk associated with 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol. Accordingly, the Government of Canada will review the current regulatory regime in order to determine whether additional controls are required. Gaps to be filled will be identified and federal controls will be amended accordingly.
• The Government intends to apply the Significant New Activity (SNAc) provisions of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 to 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol. The SNAc provisions would require that the Government be notified of certain proposed new activities related to the substances, and that the new activity be assessed before being undertaken.
• The proposed risk management approach document was published on January 31, 2009. It was subject to a 60-day public comment period ending April 1, 2009.
• Information on the risk management actions for 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol is available.