2,7-Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, 3-[[2,2'-dimethyl-4'-[[4-[[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]oxy]phenyl]azo][1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl]azo]-4-hydroxy-, disodium salt (Acid Red 111)

CAS Registry Number 6358-57-2

What is it?

  • 2,7-Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, 3-[[2,2'-dimethyl-4'-[[4-[[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]oxy]phenyl]azo][1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl]azo]-4-hydroxy-, disodium salt, also known as Acid Red 111, is a red dye.

How is it used?

  • Acid Red 111 is used as a synthetic dye colourant, primarily in the textile industry.
  • This substance is not manufactured in Canada but is imported into Canada.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it?

  • Prior to assessment, Acid Red 111 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.
  • Acid Red 111 was not considered to be a high priority for assessment of potential risks to human health; however, potential health effects were also evaluated in this screening assessment.

How is it released into the environment?

  • Acid Red 111 may be released to the environment as a result of industrial processes and during the use and disposal of products containing this substance.

How are Canadians exposed to it?

  • Canadians may be exposed to Acid Red 111 during the use of consumer products (for example, textiles) containing this substance; however, this exposure is expected to be low.

What are the results of the assessment?

  • The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of Acid Red 111 called a screening assessment.
  • Screening assessments address potential for harm to the general population (not including workplace exposures) and the environment.
  • Results of the final screening assessment indicate that although Acid Red 111 has the potential to remain in the environment for a long time, it is not expected to accumulate in organisms.
  • Furthermore, the quantity of Acid Red 111 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 Acid Red 111 is not entering the environment in a quantity or under conditions that constitute a danger to the environment.
  • The Government of Canada has also concluded that Acid Red 111 is not considered to be harmful to the health of the general population at current levels of exposure.

What is the Government of Canada doing?

  • Exposure of the general population of Canada to Acid Red 111 is expected to be low and the Government of Canada is proposing additional action so that exposure remains low.
  • The application of the Significant New Activity (SNAc) provisions to this substance will be recommended. This would require that any proposed new manufacture, import or use be subject to further assessment, and would determine if the new activity requires further risk management consideration.
  • As Acid Red 111 is an azo compound, this assessment may be updated as part of the class assessment on azo- and benzidine-based substances announced in the June 5, 2010 Notice of intent.
  • The final screening assessment report was published on September 10, 2011.

What can Canadians do?

  • The health risks associated with a chemical depend on the hazard (its potential to cause adverse health effects) and the dose (the amount of chemical to which a person is exposed). Acid Red 111 is not 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.
  • Canadians who handle Acid Red 111 in the workplace should consult with their occupational health and safety representative about safe handling practices, applicable laws and requirements under the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).

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