Phenol, 4-[[2-methoxy-4-[(4-nitrophenyl)azo]phenyl]azo]- (Disperse Orange 29)

CAS Registry Number 19800-42-1

What is it?

  • Phenol, 4-[[2-methoxy-4-[(4-nitrophenyl)azo]phenyl]azo]-, also known as Disperse Orange 29, is an orange dye.

How is it used?

  • Disperse Orange 29 is used mainly as a colorant dye in textiles.
  • Disperse Orange 29 is not manufactured in Canada, but is imported into Canada.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it?

  • Prior to assessment, Disperse Orange 29 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.
  • Disperse Orange 29 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?

  • Disperse Orange 29 may be released to the environment during industrial processes and consumer use. Most releases are expected to be to wastewater. Ultimately, Disperse Orange 29 released to wastewater is expected to bind to sewage sludge at sewage treatment plants and be sent to landfills.

How are Canadians exposed to it?

  • Canadians may be exposed to Disperse Orange 29 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 Disperse Orange 29 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 Disperse Orange 29 has the potential to remain in the environment for a long time, it is not expected to accumulate in organisms.
  • Furthermore, the quantity of Disperse Orange 29 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 Disperse Orange 29 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 Disperse Orange 29 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?

  • Based on the conclusion of the final screening assessment, no further action will be taken on Disperse Orange 29.
  • As Disperse Orange 29 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). Disperse Orange 29 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 Disperse Orange 29 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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