7-Oxa-3,20-diazadispiro[5.1.11.2]heneicosan-21-one, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl- (ODHO)

CAS Registry Number 64338-16-5

What is it?

• 7-Oxa-3,20-diazadispiro[5.1.11.2]heneicosan-21-one, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-, also known as ODHO, is an industrial chemical.

How is it used?

• ODHO is used to protect plastics and industrial materials from photochemical degradation. It is also an additive in some formulations of protective coatings for industrial products, automotives, plastics and wood.
• This substance is not manufactured in Canada but is imported into Canada.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it?

• Prior to assessment, ODHO 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.
• ODHO 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 are Canadians exposed to it?

• The general population of Canada is not expected to be exposed to ODHO.

How is it released to the environment?

• ODHO may be released to the environment via landfills and wastewater treatment systems as a result of industrial processes and through the use and disposal of consumer products containing this substance.

What are the results of the assessment?

• The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of ODHO 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 ODHO has the potential to remain in the environment for a long time, it is not expected to accumulate in organisms.
• Furthermore, the quantity of ODHO 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 ODHO 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 ODHO 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 ODHO.
• The final screening assessment report was published on September 18, 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). ODHO 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.
• Canadians who handle ODHO 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.