Zinc, bis[O,O-bis(1,3-dimethylbutyl) phosphorodithioato-S,S']-, (T-4)- (Zinc BDBP)

CAS Registry Number 2215-35-2

What is it?

• Zinc, bis[O,O-bis(1,3-dimethylbutyl)phosphorodithioato-S,S'], (T-4)-, also known as Zinc BDBP, is an industrial chemical.

How is it used?

• In Canada and elsewhere, Zinc BDBP is mainly used as an anti-wear engine oil additive. It also acts as an antioxidant.
• Zinc BDBP is imported into Canada for use in the petroleum industry.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it?

• Prior to assessment, Zinc BDBP 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.
• Zinc BDBP 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?

• Zinc BDBP may be released to the environment during industrial processes or through the use of consumer products containing this substance.
• Upon its release, this substance is mainly expected to end up in sediments and soils and to a lesser extent in water.

How are Canadians exposed to it?

• Canadians may be exposed to Zinc BDBP during the use of engine oil containing this substance; however, this exposure is expected to be low.

What are the results of the assessment?

• The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of zinc BDBP 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 Zinc BDBP has the potential to remain in the environment for a long time, it is not expected to accumulate in organisms.
• Furthermore, the quantity of Zinc BDBP 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 Zinc BDBP 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 Zinc BDBP 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 Zinc BDBP.
• 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). Zinc BDBP 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 this Zinc BDBP 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.