Acetamide, N-[5-[bis[2-(acetyloxy)ethyl]amino]-2-[(2-bromo-4,6-dinitrophenyl)azo]-4-ethoxyphenyl]- (Disperse Blue 79)

CAS Registry Number 12239-34-8

What is it?

• Acetamide, N-[5-[bis[2-(acetyloxy)ethyl]amino]-2-[(2-bromo-4,6-dinitrophenyl)azo]-4-ethoxyphenyl]-, also known as Disperse Blue 79, is an industrial chemical.

How is it used?

• Disperse Blue 79 is used as a blue colorant dye, mainly in textiles and fabric.
• Based on the most recent data available, Disperse Blue 79 is not manufactured in Canada but is imported into Canada.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it?

• Prior to assessment, Disperse Blue 79 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?

• Disperse Blue 79 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.
• Disperse Blue 79 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 Disperse Blue 79 called a screening assessment.
• Results of assessment indicate that although Disperse Blue 79 may remain in the environment for a long time, the substance is not expected to accumulate in organisms.
• Furthermore, the quantity of Disperse Blue 79 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 Disperse Blue 79 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 Disperse Blue 79 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.