Oxirane, 2,2',2'',2'''-[1,2-ethanediylidenetetrakis(4,1-phenyleneoxymethylene)]tetrakis- (TGOPE)

CAS Registry Number 7328-97-4

The Final Screening Assessment for TGOPE was published on September 18, 2010 as part of Batch 9 of the Challenge initiative of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP). The assessment is summarized on this web page.

What is it

• Oxirane, 2,2',2'',2'''-[1,2-ethanediylidenetetrakis(4,1-phenyleneoxymethylene)]tetrakis-, also known as TGOPE, is an industrial chemical.

How is it used

• TGOPE is used as an adhesive or binding agent.
• This substance is not manufactured in Canada but is imported into Canada.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it

• Prior to assessment, TGOPE 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.
• TGOPE 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 people in Canada exposed to it

• The general population of Canada may be exposed to TGOPE from the use of products such as certain epoxy adhesives used for highly specialized repair projects; however, this exposure is expected to be low.

How is it released to the environment

• A small amount of the substance may be released to the environment through waste disposal sites as a result of consumer use, and wastewater treatment systems as a result of industrial processes.

What are the results of the assessment

• The Government conducted a science-based evaluation of TGOPE called a screening assessment.
• Screening assessments address potential for harm to the general population and the environment.
• Results of the final screening assessment indicate that TGOPE is not expected to remain in the environment for a long time or accumulate in organisms.
• Furthermore, the quantity of TGOPE that may be released to the environment is below the level expected to cause harm to organisms.
• The Government concluded that TGOPE is not entering the environment in a quantity or under conditions that constitute a danger to the environment.
• The Government also concluded that TGOPE may be harmful to human health.

What is the Government doing

• Exposure of the general population of Canada to TGOPE is expected to be low and the Government is proposing action so that exposure remains low.
• The application of the Significant New Activity 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 risk management approach was published on September 18, 2010. It was followed by a 60-day comment period that ended November 17, 2010.
• Information on the risk management actions for TGOPE is available.

What can people in Canada 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). However, exposure of the general population to TGOPE is expected to be low.
• 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 TGOPE in the workplace should consult with their occupational health and safety representative about safe handling practices, and applicable laws and requirements under the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).