Phosphonium, triphenyl(phenylmethyl)-, salt with 4,4' -[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethylidene]bis[phenol] (1:1) (PTPTT)

CAS Registry Number 75768-65-9

What is it?

  • Phosphonium, triphenyl(phenylmethyl)-, salt with 4,4'-[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluorometheyl)ethylidene]bis[phenol] (1:1), also known as PTPTT, is an industrial chemical.

How is it used?

  • In Canada, PTPTT is used primarily as a cross linking agent in the curing process for the manufacture of a class of synthetic rubbers called fluoroelastomers used in industrial applications such as seals in fuel, lubricant and hydraulic systems, valve seals and valve liners, fuel tanks, and gaskets in multiple industries.
  • PTPTT is not manufactured in Canada, but is imported into Canada for use in the manufacturing of fluoroelastomer rubber products.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it?

  • Prior to assessment, PTPTT 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.
  • PTPTT 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?

  • PTPTT may be released to the environment in limited quantities from industrial processes such as the curing process of fluoroelastomer rubbers.
  • Upon its release, most of this substance is expected to end up in wastewater and waste disposal sites.

How are Canadians exposed to it?

  • The general population is not likely to be exposed to PTPTT since it is used primarily in industrial settings and environmental releases are not expected.

What are the results of the assessment?

  • The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of PTPTT 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 dissociation products of PTPTT may remain in the environment for a long time, they are not expected to accumulate in organisms.
  • Furthermore, the quantity of PTPTT 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 PTPTT 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 PTPTT 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 PTPTT.
  • 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). PTPTT is not presently 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 PTPTT 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.

Page details

Date modified: