Potassium bromate

CAS Registry Number 7758-01-2

What is it

In Canada, potassium bromate is used primarily in industrial and non- consumer applications.
Potassium bromate is not manufactured in Canada, but it is imported into Canada.

Prior to the assessment, potassium bromate was identified as a potential concern for human health based on its classification by international organizations as a substance that was found to cause cancer in laboratory animals, and based on a moderate potential for exposure to the general population of Canada.
Potassium bromate was also considered to be a priority for assessment of potential risks to the environment; therefore, potential environmental effects were also evaluated in this screening assessment.

The general population is not likely to be exposed to potassium bromate since it is used primarily in industrial settings.

Potassium bromate may be released to the environment through landfills and wastewater systems as a result of industrial processes.

The Government conducted a science-based evaluation of potassium bromate, called a screening assessment.
Screening assessments address potential for harm to the general population and the environment.
The Government concluded that potassium bromate may be harmful to human health.
Additionally, although potassium bromate has the potential to remain in the environment for a long time, it is not expected to accumulate in organisms or cause harm to organisms. The Government has concluded that potassium bromate is not entering the environment in a quantity or under conditions that constitute a danger to the environment.

Exposure of the general population of Canada to potassium bromate is currently not expected and the Government is proposing action to limit the potential for future exposure.
The application of the Significant New Activity (SNAc) provisions to this substance will be recommended. This would require that any proposed new manufacture, use, or import be subject to further assessment, and would determine if the new activity requires further risk management consideration.
The Government is proposing to include potassium bromate as a prohibited or restricted ingredient on Health Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist. The Hotlist is used to communicate that certain substances may not be compliant with requirements of the Food and Drugs Act or the Cosmetic Regulations. Under Canadian legislation, cosmetics that contain substances that are harmful to the user cannot be sold.
The risk management approach was published on September 18, 2010. It was followed by a 60-day comment period that ended on November 17, 2010.
Information on the risk management actions for potassium bromate is available.

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). However, exposure of the general population to potassium bromate is not expected.
As a general precaution, people in Canada are reminded when using any product to carefully follow any safety warnings and directions.
People in Canada who handle potassium bromate 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 (WHMIS).