Phenol, 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-bis(1,1-dimethylpropyl)- (BDTP)

Phenol, 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-bis(1,1-dimethylpropyl)-
CAS Registry Number 25973-55-1

What is it?

In Canada, BDTP is mainly used as an ultraviolet light absorber in automotive and industrial coatings, paints and plastics.
Based on the most recent data, BDTP is not manufactured in Canada but is imported into the country.

BDTP was identified as a priority for assessment of potential risks to the environment during the categorization of substances within the Domestic Substances List (DSL).
BDTP was not considered to be a priority for assessment of potential risks to human health; however, potential health effects were also evaluated in this screening assessment.

Exposure of the general population of Canada to BDTP through air, water or soil is expected to be minimal.
There were no reports of any current uses of BDTP in consumer products in Canada. As a result, exposure to BDTP from consumer products is not expected.
While BDTP is used in food packaging applications as an adhesive, this use is restricted to the non-contact layer and therefore no exposure from food is expected.

In Canada, BDTP may be released to surface water during industrial production of plastics, paints and coatings, and may ultimately end up in sediment.

The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of BDTP, called a screening assessment.
Screening assessments address the potential for harm to the general population of Canada and to the environment.
Results of the final screening assessment indicate that BDTP has the potential to remain in the environment for a long time and accumulate in organisms.
However, based on new information received after the publication of the draft screening assessment, the quantity of BDTP that has the potential to be released to the environment is below the level expected to cause harm to organisms.
The Government of Canada has therefore concluded that BDTP is not entering the environment at levels that constitute a danger to the environment and no longer meets the criteria for virtual elimination (set out in the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999).
The Government of Canada has also concluded that BDTP is not harmful to human health at current levels of exposure.
Hazards related to chemicals used in the workplace should be classified accordingly under the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).

The Government of Canada published the Final Screening Assessment for BDTP on May 21, 2016.
Based on the conclusion of the final screening assessment, the Government of Canada proposes that no further action be taken on BDTP.
However, there may be concerns if import and use quantities were to increase in Canada. Such increases could result in additional releases and environmental exposure, resulting in environmental risk. Therefore, the substance will be added to the DSL Inventory Update to monitor changes in Canadian import, use and release.

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). BDTP is not a concern for the environment or human health at current levels of exposure.
Canadians who may be exposed to BDTP in the workplace should consult with their employer and occupational health and safety representative (OHS) about safe handling practices, applicable laws and requirements under the OHS legislation and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).
As a general precaution, Canadians are reminded when using any product to carefully follow any safety warnings and directions, and to dispose of the products appropriately.