Coumarin 1 - Information sheet

2H-1-Benzopyran-2-one, 7-(diethylamino)-4-methyl-
CAS Registry Number 91-44-1 (coumarin 1)

Overview

The Government of Canada conducted a science-based evaluation, called a screening assessment, to address the potential for harm to Canadians and to the environment from coumarin 1.
Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 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 and 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 (ERC) Approach.
As a result of the draft screening assessment, coumarin 1 is proposed to be harmful to human health, but not to the environment at levels of exposure considered in the assessment.

The screening assessment summarized here focuses on the substance 2H-1-benzopyran-2-one, 7-(diethylamino)-4-methyl-, also referred to as coumarin 1. It was assessed under the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP).
According to information gathered by the Government, this substance is mainly used in Canada in fabric, textile and leather articles, and certain cosmetic products. Coumarin 1 is also used as a stabilizer in a carpet cleaner.

Canadians may be exposed to coumarin 1 through the use of certain cosmetic products such as temporary hair dyes, nail polishes, body and face makeup (including eye and lip makeup), as well as cleaning products.
According to the information considered under the ERC Approach, coumarin 1 was identified as having low ecological exposure potential.

There were limited health effects (hazard) data for coumarin 1; therefore, a comparative (read-across) approach using data from a similar chemical was used for assessing potential health effects.
The critical effect identified for characterizing the risk to human health for coumarin 1 was developmental toxicity.
According to information considered under the ERC Approach, coumarin 1 was identified as having a low ecological hazard potential.

Based upon a comparison of levels to which Canadians may be exposed to coumarin 1 from occasional use of specialty body makeup, and levels associated with critical health effects, it was determined that this substance may pose a risk to human health.
Also, coumarin 1 is considered unlikely to cause ecological harm, based upon the outcome of the ERC Approach.
The Government of Canada published the Draft Screening Assessment for Coumarin 1 on October 31, 2020. The public is invited to comment on the assessment during the 60-day public comment period ending on December 30, 2020.

As a result of the draft screening assessment, the Government is proposing that coumarin 1 may be harmful to human health at levels of exposure considered in the assessment
The Government is also proposing that coumarin 1 is not entering the environment at levels that are harmful to the environment.
Coumarin 1 is proposed to meet the persistence, but not the bioaccumulation criteria as set out in the Persistence and Bioaccumulation Regulations of CEPA 1999.

The Government of Canada published the Proposed Risk Management Scope for Coumarin 1 on October 31, 2020. The public is invited to comment on this document during the 60-day public comment period ending on December 30, 2020.
If the proposed conclusion is confirmed in the final screening assessment, the Government will consider adding coumarin 1 to Schedule 1 of CEPA 1999, also called the List of Toxic Substances, and will consider the following actions to address human health concerns:
- Proposing to describe coumarin 1 as a prohibited or restricted ingredient on Health Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist, in order to help reduce exposures of Canadians to this substance from certain cosmetics, specifically body makeup. The Hotlist is used to communicate that certain substances may not be compliant with requirements of 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.
Further information and updates on risk management actions for substances managed under the CMP can be found in the risk management actions table and two year rolling risk management activities and consultations schedule.

Coumarin 1 may be found in products available to consumers. Canadians should follow any safety warnings and directions related to the product and dispose of products responsibly.
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.