Chlorocresol - information sheet

Phenol, 4-chloro-3-methyl-
CAS Registry Number 59-50-7

On this page

• Overview
• About this substance
• Human and ecological exposures
• Key health and ecological effects (hazard)
• Risk assessment outcomes
  • Screening assessment conclusions
• Preventive actions and reducing risk
• Related information

Overview

• The Government of Canada conducted a science-based screening assessment under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) to address the potential for harm to Canadians and to the environment from chlorocresol.
• 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.
• 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 screening assessment, the Government concluded that chlorocresol is harmful to human health, but not to the environment, at levels of exposure considered in the assessment.

About this substance

• The screening assessment summarized here focused on the substance phenol, 4-chloro-3-methyl-, also referred to as chlorocresol, which was assessed under the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP).
• Chlorocresol does not occur naturally in the environment.
• It may be used in certain body creams or lotions and as a non-medicinal ingredient in natural health products and pharmaceuticals.
• Chlorocresol is also an active ingredient in one registered pest control product which is used as a component in concrete admixtures, while the sodium salt form of chlorocresol is present in two registered pest control products.

Human and ecological exposures

• Exposure to Canadians to chlorocresol from the environment (for example, drinking water or indoor air) is expected to be minimal.
• Canadians may be exposed to chlorocresol from the use of products available to consumers, such as certain body lotions and creams, natural health products and pharmaceuticals (such as those used to treat eczema or fungal infections).
• The highest potential for exposure to chlorocresol is expected from its use in certain body creams or lotions. These lotions are typically applied in greater quantities per application and are used daily (as opposed to intermittent use for treatment of a skin condition).
• According to the information considered under the ERC Approach, chlorocresol was identified as having a low ecological exposure potential.

Key health and ecological effects (hazard)

• The critical effect identified for characterizing the risk to human health for chlorocresol was effects on the adrenal gland.
• According to information considered under the ERC Approach, chlorocresol 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 chlorocresol from daily use of body lotions and creams, and levels associated with critical health effects, it was determined that chlorocresol may pose a risk to human health.
• Based upon the outcome of the ERC Approach, chlorocresol is considered unlikely to be causing ecological harm.
• The Government of Canada published the Final Screening Assessment for Chlorocresol on May 22, 2021. Public comments received on the draft screening assessment were considered in the development of the final screening assessment and a summary of the public comments and responses was published.

Screening assessment conclusions

• The Government concluded that chlorocresol is harmful to human health at levels of exposure considered in the assessment.
• The Government also concluded that chlorocresol is not entering the environment at levels that are harmful to the environment.
• It was also determined that chlorocresol does not meet the persistence or the bioaccumulation criteria as set out in the Persistence and Bioaccumulation Regulations of CEPA 1999.

Preventive actions and reducing risk

• The Government of Canada published the proposed Risk Management Approach for Chlorocresol on May 22, 2021. The public is invited to comment on this document during the 60-day public comment period ending on July 21, 2021.
• The proposed order adding chlorocresol to Schedule 1 of CEPA 1999, also called the List of Toxic Substances, was published for a 60-day public comment period ending on May 31, 2023. Adding a substance to the list does not restrict its use, manufacture or import. Rather, it enables the Government to take risk management actions under CEPA 1999.
• To address human health concerns for chlorocresol, the Government is considering the following:
  • Measures to reduce exposures to chlorocresol from body lotion by describing chlorocresol as a prohibited or restricted ingredient on Health Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist. The Hotlist is used to communicate that certain substances may not be compliant with the Food and Drugs Act or the Cosmetic Regulations. Under Canadian legislation, cosmetics that contain substances that are harmful to the user cannot be sold.
• Information is being sought by the Government to inform risk management decision-making. Details can be found in the risk management approach, including where to send information during the public comment period, ending July 21, 2021.
• Risk management actions may evolve through consideration of assessments and risk management actions published for other substances. This is to ensure effective, coordination and consistent risk management decision-making.
• Information on the risk management of substances addressed under the CMP is available.

Related information

• Chlorocresol is found in products available to consumers. Canadians should follow any safety warnings and directions related to the product and dispose of products responsibly. Directions for use may also recommend that consumers discontinue use of products such as anti-itch creams after several weeks.
• Cosmetic products must include a list of all ingredients on the product label using the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) system. Chlorocresol is identified under the INCI name P-Chloro-M-Cresol.
• Visit Do it for a Healthy Home for more information on chemical safety in and around the home, including more information on chlorocresol for consumers.
• The screening assessment for chlorocresol focused on potential risks from exposure to 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 (WHMIS). For information concerning 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.