The risks posed by a substance are determined by both its hazardous properties (potential to cause adverse human health or ecological effects) and the amount or extent that people or the environment are exposed.
When needed, the Government applies risk management instruments under CEPA and other federal acts to help prevent or reduce potential harm.
As a result of the screening assessment, none of these 5 substances are concluded to be harmful to human health or the environment at levels of exposure considered in the assessment. Though the risk to human health is low at current levels of exposure, the substances AGE, o-CGE, and TGIC are associated with health effects of concern, and there may be a concern if exposure were to increase.
About these substances
The screening assessment focused on 5 of 12 substances, referred to collectively as the Epoxides and Glycidyl Ethers Group under the third phase of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP). The substances addressed were allyl glycidyl ether (AGE), beta-caryophyllene oxide (BCPO), o-cresol glycidyl ether (o-CGE), triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGIC), and alkyl (C12-C13) glycidyl ether (C12-C13 AGE).
Seven other substances in the Epoxides and Glycidyl Ethers Group were determined to be of low concern to both human health and the environment through other approaches.
The 5 substances in this assessment do not occur naturally, except for BCPO, which is naturally present in some plants and essential oils.
According to information gathered by the Government, AGE is used in industrial applications while BCPO is used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics and may be present in foods as a flavouring agent.
o-CGE is used mainly in the formulation of epoxy resins and was found in some do-it-yourself (DIY) products available to consumers (flooring adhesive, floor coating for garages, two-component epoxy resin, and arts and crafts/hobby resin).
TGIC is mainly used in the formulation of polyester resins that are used to make polyester powder coatings.
C12-C13 AGE was also identified in some DIY products available to consumers (two-component epoxy adhesive, epoxy filler, and multi-purpose epoxy resin used to seal and coat surfaces).
Human and ecological exposures
The screening assessment indicated that people in Canada may be exposed to:
BCPO from the use of cosmetic products and from food containing this substance; however, exposure is considered to be low.
o-CGE or C12-C13 AGE from the use of DIY products.
Exposure of people in Canada to AGE and TGIC is expected to be minimal.
According to information considered under the ERC Approach, these substances were identified as having low ecological exposure potential with the exception of TGIC, which was identified as having a high exposure potential due to its overall persistence and large use volumes.
Key health and ecological effects (hazard)
To help inform the health effects characterization in the screening assessment, international data reports were considered, among other sources of information. This included an assessment by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
for AGE, as suspected of causing genetic defects, causing cancer, and damaging fertility;
for o-CGE, as suspected of causing genetic defects; and
for TGIC, as a substance that may cause genetic defects.
The critical effects considered in the health assessment of BCPO were effects on the liver and lymph nodes, based on laboratory studies.
There was limited data for o-CGE; therefore, a comparative approach using similar chemicals, called read-across, was used for assessing potential health effects. Based on the results of available laboratory studies on o-CGE and similar substances, carcinogenicity (ability to cause cancer) and effects on the nasal cavity were considered to be the critical effects used in the assessment of o-CGE.
For C12-C13 AGE, reversible effects at the site of contact were considered to be critical effects for the human health risk assessment, based on laboratory studies.
According to information considered under the ERC Approach, AGE was identified as having a low ecological hazard potential. BCPO and TGIC were identified as having moderate ecological hazard potentials based on a moderate bioaccumulation potential and a moderate level of ecotoxicity, respectively. o-CGE was identified as having a high ecological hazard potential based on a high level of ecotoxicity. Finally, C12-C13 AGE was identified as having a high ecological hazard potential based on its high bioaccumulation potential and a moderate level of ecotoxicity.
Risk assessment outcomes
On the basis of the information presented in the screening assessment, the risk to human health is considered to be low for AGE and TGIC.
A comparison of levels to which people in Canada may be exposed to BCPO, o-CGE, and C12-C13 AGE, and the levels associated with the critical health effects, determined that the risk to human health from each substance is considered to be low.
Based upon the outcome of the ERC Approach, these 5 substances are considered unlikely to be causing ecological harm.
Screening assessment conclusions
The Government concluded that AGE, BCPO, o-CGE, TGIC, and C12-C13 AGE are not harmful to human health at levels of exposure considered in the assessment.
The Government also concluded that AGE, BCPO, o-CGE, TGIC, and C12-C13 AGE are not entering the environment at concentrations that are harmful.
Preventive actions and risk reduction
Although AGE, o-CGE, and TGIC are not considered to be harmful to human health at levels of exposure considered in the assessment, these 3 substances are associated with health effects of concern. There may be a concern if exposures were to increase.
This requires that the Government be notified of certain proposed new activities related to these substances, and that the new activity be assessed for potential risks to human health and the environment.
The order outlines the definition of a significant new activity in relation to AGE, o-CGE, and TGIC, as well as the information that needs to be provided to the Government for assessment before the new activity is undertaken.
Information about SNAc provisions applied to substances, including new notices and orders, and those already published, can be found in the SNAc publications dataset.
Use the Substances Search tool to find substances that are referenced in certain legislative or regulatory instruments or on Government of Canada websites.
Related resources
Some of these substances may be found in products available to consumers. People in Canada should follow any safety warnings and directions related to the product and dispose of products responsibly.
Assessments conducted under CEPA focus on risks of exposure of the general population. Hazards related to chemicals used in the workplace are defined within the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). If a substance is harmful to the general population, it could also be of concern for individuals in situations where a higher volume of the substance is used or where the substance is used for a longer duration (for example, the workplace). The Government of Canada recognizes that it is the responsibility of the federal, provincial and territorial occupational health and safety organizations to coordinate legislation for the safe use of chemicals in the workplace. We are working to support this role by integrating the information, tools, and technical expertise of the CMP and Health Canada's Workplace Hazardous Products Program.
