1-Nitropropane - information sheet

(Propane, 1-nitro-)
CAS Registry Number 108-03-2

Overview

The Government of Canada conducted a science-based evaluation, called a screening assessment, to address the potential for harm to Canadians and to the environment from 1-nitropropane.
Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), the risk posed by a substance is determined by considering both its hazardous properties (its potential to cause adverse human health or ecological effects) and the amount of exposure there is to people and the environment. A substance may have hazardous properties; however, the risk to human health or to the environment may be low depending upon the level of exposure.
- More information on assessing risk can be found in the Overview of Risk Assessment and related fact sheets, particularly on Types of Risk Assessment Documents and the Risk Assessment Toolbox.
The ecological hazard and exposure potentials of this substance were classified using the Ecological Risk Classification of Organic Substances (ERC) Approach.
As a result of the draft screening assessment, 1-nitropropane is proposed as not harmful to human health or to the environment at current levels of exposure.

The screening assessment summarized here focuses on the substance propane, 1-nitro-, also referred to as 1-nitropropane. It was assessed under the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP).
According to information gathered by the Government, this substance is human-made. In Canada, 1-nitropropane is used in paints and coatings. It is also used as a solvent (that is, used to dissolve other substances) in markers and cosmetic nail brush cleaners.

Exposure of Canadians to 1-nitropropane is expected to be from the use of products available to consumers, such as marker ink, spray paint primers and cosmetic nail brush cleaners.
According to information considered under the Ecological Risk Classification of Organic Substances Approach, 1-nitropropane was identified as having a low ecological exposure potential.

1-Nitropropane has been reviewed internationally through the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Screening Information Data Set Initial Assessment Profile is available. This review was used to inform the health effects characterization in the screening assessment summarized on this page.
The important or “critical” effects for the characterization of risk to human health for 1-nitropropane were reproductive and/or developmental effects.
According to information considered under the Ecological Risk Classification of Organic Substances Approach, 1-nitropropane was identified as having a low ecological hazard potential.

Based upon a comparison of levels to which Canadians may be exposed to 1-nitropropane, and the levels associated with health effects, the risk to human health for this substance is considered to be low.
Based upon the outcome of the Ecological Risk Classification of Organic Substances Approach, 1-nitroproane is considered unlikely to cause ecological harm.
The Government of Canada published the Draft Screening Assessment for 1-Nitropropane on December 7, 2019. The public are invited to comment on the assessment during the 60-day public comment period ending on February 5, 2020.

As a result of the draft screening assessment, the Government is proposing that 1-nitroproane is not harmful to human health at current levels of exposure, and that it is not entering the environment at levels that are harmful to the environment.

1-Nitroproane may be found in products available to consumers. Canadians should follow any safety warnings and directions related to this product and dispose of products responsibly.
Visit Do it for a Healthy Home for more information on chemical safety in and around the home.
Canadians who may be exposed to 1-nitropropane in the workplace can consult with their employer and an occupational health and safety (OHS) representative about safe handling practices, applicable laws, and requirements under OHS legislation and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System.