Fatty acids, C6-19-branched, zinc salts (FAZ)

CAS Registry Number 68551-44-0

What is it?

Fatty acids, C_6-19-branched, zinc salts, also known as FAZ, is an industrial chemical.

This substance is not manufactured in Canada or imported into Canada.
FAZ may have previously been used in the manufacturing of organic chemicals in establishments such as those primarily engaged in coal tar distillation, the distillation of wood products or the production of ethanol for non-beverage use. From publicly available information it is known that FAZ may also be used outside of Canada in mixtures such as corrosion inhibitors, paints, colourants, metallic drier blends in isoaliphatic hydrocarbons and coating materials.

Prior to assessment, FAZ 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, FAZ was believed to be potentially in commerce in Canada prior to assessment.

The Government of Canada has reviewed information that indicates that FAZ is not in commerce in Canada.
As a result, it is unlikely that FAZ is entering the environment as a result of commercial manufacture, import or use in this country.

The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of FAZ called a screening assessment.
Because this substance is not in commerce and no new information was received on it, this assessment was based on information collected in the past.
Results of the final screening assessment indicate that FAZ has the potential to remain in the environment for a long time, accumulate in organisms and cause harm to organisms, but that the substance is not presently a concern because it is not in commerce.
The Government of Canada is therefore proposing that FAZ is not entering the environment in a quantity or under conditions that constitute a danger to the environment.
Because FAZ is not currently in commerce in Canada, it is not considered to be harmful to the health of the general population at current levels of exposure.

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.
The final screening assessment report was published on July 31, 2010.

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). Since FAZ is not in commerce, it is not a concern for the environment or human health.
As a general precaution, Canadians are reminded when using any product to carefully follow safety warnings and directions.