2,7-Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, 4-amino-3-[[4'-[(2,4-diaminophenyl)azo][1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl]azo]-5-hydroxy-6-(phenylazo)-, disodium salt (Direct Black 38)

CAS Registry 1937-37-7

What is it?

  • 2,7-Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, 4-amino-3-[[4'-[(2,4-diaminophenyl)azo][1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl]azo]-5-hydroxy-6-(phenylazo)-, disodium salt, also known as Direct Black 38, is a black dye. 

How is it used?

  • Direct Black 38 was not manufactured in Canada or imported into Canada in 2005 or 2006.
  • Direct Black 38 has previously been used as a synthetic dye colorant, primarily in the textile industry.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it?

  • Prior to assessment, Direct Black 38 was identified as a potential concern to the environment based on available information regarding possible persistence, accumulation in organisms and potential to cause harm to organisms.
  • In addition, Direct Black 38 was believed to be in commerce in Canada prior to assessment.
  • Although Direct Black 38 was identified as being of high hazard for human health, it was considered to have a low potential for exposure to Canadians as it is not in commerce in Canada.

How is it released into the environment?

  • The Government of Canada has reviewed information that indicates that Direct Black 38 is not currently in commerce in Canada above reporting thresholds.
  • As a result, it is unlikely that Direct Black 38 is entering the environment as a result of commercial manufacture or use in this country.

What are the results of the assessment?

  • The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of Direct Black 38 called a screening assessment.
  • Results of the final screening assessment indicate that although Direct Black 38 may remain in the environment for a long time, it is not expected to accumulate in or directly harm organisms.
  • Furthermore, the quantity of Direct Black 38 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 Direct Black 38 is not entering the environment in a quantity or under conditions that constitute a danger to the environment.
  • Because Direct Black 38 is not currently in commerce in Canada, it is not considered to be harmful to human health at current levels of exposure.

What is the Government of Canada doing?

  • The Government of Canada is proposing to implement a Significant New Activity or SNAc provision for Direct Black 38. This will require that any proposed new manufacture, import or use of this substance be subject to further assessment before this new activity is allowed.
  • The final screening assessment report was published on November 28, 2009.

What can Canadians do?

  • Since Direct Black 38 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.

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