Benzenepropanoic acid, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy-, (1,2-dioxo-1,2-ethanediyl)bis(imino-2,1-ethanediyl) ester (Benzenepropanoic acid ester)

CAS Registry Number 70331-94-1

What is it?

  • Benzenepropanoic acid, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy-,(1,2-dioxo-1,2-ethanediyl)bis(imino-2,1-ethanediyl) ester, also known as Benzenepropanoic Acid Ester, is an organic industrial chemical.

How is it used?

  • In Canada, Benzenepropanoic Acid Ester is used primarily as an antioxidant in plastics and as a thermal stabilizer.
  • Examples of typical end uses include wire and cable insulation, film and sheet manufacture, and automotive parts.
  • Benzenepropanoic Acid Ester was not manufactured in Canada, but was imported into Canada in 2006.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it?

  • Prior to assessment, Benzenepropanoic Acid Ester 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.
  • Benzenepropanoic Acid Ester 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 to the environment?

  • Benzenepropanoic Acid Ester may be released to the environment from industrial processes and upon disposal.
  • Upon its use, most of this substance is expected to end up in waste disposal sites and may collect in soils and sediments.

How are Canadians exposed to it?

  • Exposure of the general population of Canada to Benzenepropanoic Acid Ester is expected to be low and could occur through consumption of food (for example, migration from food packaging materials); however, this substance is not likely to be currently used for any food packaging applications in Canada.

What are the results of the assessment?

  • The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of Benzenepropanoic Acid Ester 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 Benzenepropanoic Acid Ester has the potential to remain in the environment for a long time, it is not expected to accumulate in organisms.
  • Furthermore, the quantity of Benzenepropanoic Acid Ester 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 Benzenepropanoic Acid Ester 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 Benzenepropanoic Acid Ester is not 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 Benzenepropanoic Acid Ester.
  • The final screening assessment report was published on July 31, 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). Benzenepropanoic Acid Ester 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 Benzenepropanoic Acid Ester 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.

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