Archived Certain Azo Metal Complexes and other Azo Substances of the Aromatic Azo and Benzidine-based substance grouping

What are they?

• Six substances (four Azo Metal Complexes and two Other Azo Substances) are included in this assessment.
• Certain Azo Metal Complexes and Other Azo Substances are industrial chemicals. None of these six substances are expected to occur naturally in the environment.

How are they used?

• Certain Azo Metal Complexes and Other Azo Substances are generally used as colouring agents. One of the Azo Metal Complexes has been reported to be used in Canada in wood coatings and stains, automotive coatings and printing inks.
• Based on the most recent data, none of the Certain Azo Metal Complexes and Other Azo Substances were manufactured in Canada; however one of the Azo Metal Complexes has been imported into Canada.

Why did the Government of Canada assess them?

• Certain Azo Metal Complexes and Other Azo Substanceswere identified as priorities for assessment based on categorization within the Domestic Substances List and/or were considered as a priority based on other human health concerns.
• Certain Azo Metal Complexes and Other Azo Substanceswere considered in the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) Substance Groupings Initiative. These substances were included for the screening assessment of potential risks to the environment and to human health.

How are Canadians exposed to them?

• Exposure of the general population of Canada to these substances via environmental media is not expected.
• Canadians may be exposed to one of the Azo Metal Complexes during the use of certain consumer products (wood coatings and stains) containing this substance, but exposure is expected to be very limited.

How are they released into the environment?

• These substances may be released to the environment during industrial processes, primarily in the formulation of paints and coatings.

What are the results of the assessment?

• The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of Certain Azo Metal Complexes and Other Azo Substances, called a screening assessment.
• Screening assessments address the potential for harm to the general population of Canada and the environment.
• Results of the final screening assessment indicate that while the six Azo Metal Complexes and Other Azo Substances may remain in the environment for a long time, under certain conditions, they are not expected to accumulate in organisms.
• Furthermore, the quantity of the Certain Azo Metal Complexes and Other Azo Substances that may be released to the environment are below the level expected to cause harm to organisms.
• The Government of Canada has therefore concluded that none of these Certain Azo Metal Complexes and Other Azo Substances are entering the environment at levels that constitute a danger to the environment.
• The Government of Canada has also concluded that none of these Certain Azo Metal Complexes and Other Azo Substances are harmful to human health.
• Hazards related to chemicals used in the workplace should be classified accordingly under the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).

What is the Government of Canada doing?

• The Government of Canada published the Final Screening Assessment for Certain Azo Metal Complexes and Other Azo Substances on April 4, 2015.
• Based on the conclusion of the screening assessment, the Government of Canada proposes that no further action be taken on any of the Certain Azo Metal Complexes and Other Azo Substances.

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