Spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),9'-[9H]xanthen]-3-one, 3',6'-bis(diethylamino)- (Solvent Red 49)

CAS Registry Number 509-34-2

What is it?

• Spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),9'-[9H]xanthen]-3-one, 3',6'-bis(diethylamino)-, also known as Solvent Red 49, is an industrial chemical.

How is it used?

• Solvent Red 49 may be used in a variety of applications including heat transfer fluids and as a formulant in some pesticides.
• This substance is not manufactured in Canada but may be imported into Canada at levels below the reporting threshold.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it?

• Prior to assessment, Solvent Red 49 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.
• Solvent Red 49 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 Solvent Red 49.

How is it released to the environment?

• The Government of Canada has reviewed information that indicates that Solvent Red 49 may potentially be imported in small quantities. However, it is unlikely that Solvent Red 49 is entering the environment as a result of commercial manufacture, import, or use in this country.

What are the results of the assessment?

• The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of Solvent Red 49 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 Solvent Red 49 has the potential to remain in the environment for a long time, it is not expected to accumulate in organisms.
• Furthermore, the quantity of Solvent Red 49 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 Solvent Red 49 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 Solvent Red 49 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?

• The application of the Significant New Activity (SNAc) provisions to this substance will be recommended. This would require that any proposed new manufacture, import or use be subject to further assessment, and would determine if the new activity requires further risk management consideration.
• 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). As Solvent Red 49 is potentially only imported or manufactured in small quantities, it is not a concern for the environment or human health.
• As a general precaution, Canadians are reminded when using any product to carefully follow any safety warnings and directions.
• Canadians who handle Solvent Red 49 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.