Propanenitrile, 3-[ethyl[3-methyl-4-[(6-nitro-2-benzothiazolyl)azo]phenyl]amino]- (NBATP)

CAS Registry Number 16586-42-8

What is it?

• Propanenitrile, 3-[ethyl[3-methyl-4-[(6-nitro-2-benzothiazolyl)azo]phenyl]amino]-, also known as Disperse Red 179, is an industrial chemical.

How is it used?

• Disperse Red 179 is used primarily as a red dye in the textile industry, mostly for synthetic fibers.
• This substance is not manufactured in Canada, but small quantities are imported into Canada.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it?

• Prior to assessment, Disperse Red 179 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 Red 179 may be released to the environment during industrial processes.
• Upon its release, most of the substance is expected to end up in waste disposal sites, with a smaller proportion being released to waste waters.

How are Canadians exposed to it?

• Canadians may be exposed to Disperse Red 179 during the use of consumer products (textiles) containing this substance.
• However, exposure of the general population of Canada to Disperse Red 179 is expected to be low.

What are the results of the assessment?

• The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of Disperse Red 179 called a screening assessment.
• Results of the final screening assessment indicate that although Disperse Red 179 may remain in the environment for a long time, the substance is not expected to accumulate in organisms.
• Furthermore, the quantity of Disperse Red 179 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 Red 179 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 Red 179 is not harmful to the health of the general population at current levels of exposure.
• Screening assessments address potential for harm to the general population (not including workplace exposures).

What is the Government of Canada doing?

• The Government of Canada is proposing to implement a Significant New Activity (SNAc) provision for Disperse Red 179. This would 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 was published on March 6, 2010.

What can Canadians do?

• The health risks associated with a chemical depend on the hazard (its potential to cause health effects) and the dose (the amount of chemical to which you are exposed).
• Disperse Red 179 is not a concern for the environment or human health at current levels of exposure. However, Canadians are reminded when using any product, to carefully follow any safety warnings and directions.
• Canadians who handle Disperse Red 179 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.