1-Nitropropane - information sheet

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

Publications summarized:

• Final Screening Assessment for 1-Nitropropane (published on February 5, 2022). Public comments received on the draft screening assessment were considered and a summary was published.
• Associated notice: Canada Gazette, Part I: Vol. 156, No. 6 – February 5, 2022

On this page

• Overview
• About this substance
• Human and ecological exposures
• Key health and ecological effects (hazard)
• Risk assessment outcomes
  • Screening assessment conclusions
• Related resources

Overview

• The Government of Canada conducts risk assessments of substances under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) to determine whether they present or may present a risk to human health or to the environment.
  • The risks posed by a substance are determined both by its hazardous properties (potential to cause adverse human health or ecological effects) and the amount or extent of exposure to people and the environment.
  • When needed, the Government implements risk management measures under CEPA 1999 and other federal acts to help prevent or reduce potential harm.
• The ecological hazard and exposure potentials of this substance were classified using the Ecological Risk Classification of Organic Substances (ERC) Approach.
• 1-Nitropropane is associated with reproductive and developmental effects; however, at levels of exposure considered in the assessment, The Government concluded that 1-nitropropane is not harmful to human health or the environment at levels of exposure considered in the assessment.

About this substance

• The screening assessment focused on the substance 1-nitropropane. It was assessed under the third phase of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP).
• 1-Nitropropane is not expected to occur naturally in the environment.
• According to information gathered by the Government, this substance is mainly used in Canada 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.

Human and ecological exposures

• The screening assessment indicated that Canadians may be exposed to 1-nitropropane from the use of products available to consumers, such as marker ink, spray paint primers and cosmetic nail brush cleaners.
• According to the information considered under the ERC Approach, 1-nitropropane was identified as having low ecological exposure potential.

Key health and ecological effects (hazard)

• To help inform the health effects characterization in the screening assessment, international reports were considered, among other sources of information. This included an assessment by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
• The critical effects considered in the assessment for 1-nitropropane were reproductive and developmental effects.
• According to information considered under the ERC Approach, 1-nitropropane was identified as having a low ecological hazard potential.

Risk assessment outcomes

• Based upon a comparison of levels to which Canadians may be exposed to 1-nitropropane, and levels associated with health effects, it was determined that the risk to human health is considered to be low.
• Based upon the outcome of the ERC Approach, 1-nitropropane considered unlikely to be causing ecological harm.

Screening assessment conclusions

• The Government concluded that 1-nitropropane is not harmful to human health at levels of exposure considered in the assessment, and that it is not entering the environment at levels that are harmful.

Related resources

• 1-Nitropropane is found in products available to consumers. Canadians should follow any safety warnings and directions related to the product and dispose of products responsibly.
• Visit Do it for a Healthy Home for information on chemical safety in and around the home.
• The screening assessment focused on potential risks from exposure of the general population of Canada, rather than occupational exposure. Hazards related to chemicals used in the workplace are defined within the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. For information concerning workplace health and safety and what steps to take in the workplace, Canadians should consult their employer and/or the Occupational Health and Safety Regulator in their jurisdiction.