Cyclohexasiloxane, dodecamethyl- (D6)

CAS Registry Number 540-97-6

What is it?

• Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane, also known as D6, is an industrial chemical.

How is it used?

• D6 is found or used in the manufacture of a wide variety of products.
• The predominant use of D6 worldwide and in Canada is in blending and formulating consumer products and manufacturing silicone polymers. D6 is used in personal care products such as hair/skin care products, antiperspirants and deodorants.
• Biomedical uses of silicones include medical devices, blood-handling equipment, as a blood defoaming agent, as protective barriers, lubricants and as surface treatment of wound dressings. Silicone fluids containing D6 have also been approved as active and non-active ingredients in pharmaceuticals in Canada, the most common use being in anti-flatulence drugs.
• D6 is also used in industrial processes (as a defoamer, surfactant in certain pesticide products); in lubricants, cleaning products, sealants, adhesives, waxes, polishes and coatings.
• D6 is not currently manufactured in Canada; however, it is imported into Canada.

Why did the Government of Canada assess It?

• D6 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?

• Because D6 is used to make so many different products, it may be released to the environment from many different sources.
• D6 can then stay in the environment for a long time, but is unlikely to harm animals or plants that live in the water.

What is the Government of Canada doing?

• The Government has conducted an evaluation of D6 based on science, called a screening assessment.
• The Government of Canada's final assessment concludes that exposure to D6 is not considered to be harmful to human health or to the environment.
• Therefore, no further action will be taken on D6.
• The final screening assessment report was published on January 31, 2009.