Acetamide, N-[5-[[2-(acetyloxy)ethyl](phenylmethyl)amino]-2-[(2,4-dinitrophenyl)azo]-4-methoxyphenyl]- (AADM)

CAS Registry Number 16421-41-3

What is it?

• Acetamide, N-[5-[[2-(acetyloxy)ethyl](phenylmethyl)amino]-2-[(2,4-dinitrophenyl)azo]-4-methoxyphenyl]-, also known as AADM, is an industrial chemical.

How is it used?

• AADM has previously been used as a colorant dye in textiles and fabric.
• Small quantities of AADM are believed to be in commerce; however, there is no recent information on manufacturing, importation or use of this substance.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it?

• Prior to assessment, AADM 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.

How is it released to the environment?

• AADM may be released to the environment during industrial processes and consumer use.
• Upon its release, most of the substance is expected to end up in solid waste disposal sites. A significant proportion is also estimated to be released to sewer water.
• AADM may remain in the environment for a long time when released. However, data suggests that the substance does not significantly accumulate in or directly harm organisms.

What are the results of the assessment?

• The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of AADM called a screening assessment.
• Results of the final assessment indicate that although AADM may remain in the environment for a long time, the substance is not expected to accumulate in organisms.
• Furthermore, the amount of AADM that may be released to the environment is below the level expected to cause harm to organisms.
• The Government of Canada has therefore determined that AADM is not entering the environment in a quantity or under conditions that constitute a danger to the environment.

What is the Government of Canada doing?

• Based on the conclusion of the final screening assessment, no further action is required for this substance.
• The final screening assessment was published on August 22, 2009.

What could Canadians do?

• Since AADM is not presently a concern for the environment or human health, Canadians do not currently need to take any specific actions with respect to this chemical.