Archived 2-MBS - information sheet

Benzenesulfonamide, 2-methyl-
CAS Registry Number 88-19-7

Overview

The Government of Canada conducted a science-based evaluation of 2-MBS, called a screening assessment, to address the potential for harm to Canadians and to the environment.
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 or to 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 Approach.
The substance 2-MBS is associated with some human health effects; however, the risk to human health is low. It is concluded that 2-MBS is not harmful to human health or to the environment.

This screening assessment focuses on the substance benzenesulfonamide, 2-methyl-, also referred to as 2-MBS.
This substance was assessed as part of the third phase of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP).
Industry data collected by the Government indicates that 2-MBS is not manufactured in Canada above 100 kilograms, but is imported into Canada.
2-MBS does not occur naturally in the environment.
It is primarily used in the manufacture of pigments, plastic materials and adhesives. It may also be found in nail polish, and can be formed in small amounts during the manufacture of saccharin, a food additive.

Canadians may be exposed to 2-MBS from its presence in saccharin as an impurity and from its presence in environmental media (for example, drinking water and dust), but exposure from these sources is expected to be low.
Canadians may also be exposed to 2-MBS during the use of nail polish containing this substance.
2-MBS was identified as having a low ecological exposure potential.

To identify effects of concern for human health, international reports on 2-MBS were reviewed.
For 2-MBS, developmental effects as well as effects on the liver and kidney were considered to be the important or "critical" effects used for characterizing the risk to human health in this assessment.
2-MBS was identified as having a low ecological hazard potential.

The Ecological Risk Classification of Organic Substances Approach characterized 2-MBS as posing a low risk of harm to organisms and the environment.
Based upon a comparison of levels to which Canadians can be exposed to 2-MBS and levels associated with health effects, the risk to human health from this substance is considered to be low.
The Government of Canada published the Final Screening Assessment for 2-MBS on November 18, 2017.

As a result of this assessment, the Government concluded that 2-MBS is not entering the environment at levels that are harmful to the environment.
The Government also concluded that 2-MBS is not harmful to human health at current levels of exposure.

2-MBS can be found in certain products available to consumers. Canadians should follow any safety warnings and directions on product labels and dispose of products responsibly.
Canadians who may be exposed to 2-MBS 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 (WHMIS).

2025-07-07