Phosphonic acid, [[3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]methyl]-, monoethyl ester, calcium salt (2:1) (PADMEC)

CAS Registry Number 65140-91-2

What is it?

• Phosphonic acid, [[3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]methyl]-, monoethyl ester, calcium salt (2:1), also known as PADMEC, is an industrial chemical.

How is it used?

• Internationally, PADMEC is used as a stabilizer in plastics, synthetic fibres, elastomers, adhesives, waxes, oils and fats, and may be found in food packaging materials in Canada and the U.S.
• This substance is not reported to be in commerce in Canada.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it?

• Prior to assessment, PADMEC 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.
• PADMEC 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.
• Although not currently in commerce, substantive data relating to the hazard characteristics of this substance were submitted by a stakeholder, and were considered in revising the assessment.

How is it released to the environment?

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

How are Canadians exposed to it?

• The general population of Canada is not likely to be exposed to PADMEC.

What are the results of the assessment?

• The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of PADMEC 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 PADMEC has the potential to remain in the environment for a long time, it is not expected to accumulate in organisms.
• Furthermore, the quantity of PADMEC 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 PADMEC 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 PADMEC 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 PADMEC.
• 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 health effects) and the dose (the amount of chemical to which you are exposed). PADMEC 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 any safety warnings and directions.