Fluorescent brightener 367 - information sheet

benzoxazole, 2,2'-(1,4-naphthalenediyl)bis-
CAS Registry Number 5089-22-5

Publications summarized:

The Government of Canada conducts risk assessments of substances under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) to determine whether they present or may present a risk to human health or to the environment.
- 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 of exposure to people and the environment.
- When needed, the Government implements risk management measures under CEPA 1999 and other federal acts to help prevent or reduce potential harm.
The ecological hazard and exposure potentials of fluorescent brightener 367 were classified using the Ecological Risk Classification of Organic Substances (ERC) Approach.
The Government concluded that fluorescent brightener 367 is not harmful to human health or the environment at levels of exposure considered in the assessment.

The screening assessment focused on benzoxazole, 2,2'-(1,4-naphthalenediyl)bis-, also referred to as fluorescent brightener 367, which was assessed under the third phase of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP).
Fluorescent brightener 367 does not occur naturally in the environment. According to information gathered by the Government, it was not manufactured or imported into Canada above the reporting thresholds.
Fluorescent brightener 367 may be found in cosmetics, such as certain nail polishes.

The screening assessment indicated that Canadians may be exposed to fluorescent brightener 367 from the use of certain nail polishes. Exposure from the environment, food or drinking water was not expected.
According to the information considered under the ERC Approach, fluorescent brightener 367 was identified as having low ecological exposure potential.

There were no health effects (hazard) data for fluorescent brightener 367; therefore, a comparative approach using a similar chemical, called read-across, was used for assessing potential health effects. Using data available for fluorescent brightener 184, no critical effects on human health were identified.
According to information considered under the ERC Approach, fluorescent brightener 367 was identified as having a high ecological hazard potential. This was based on its potential ecological effects in aquatic organisms given its potential to bioaccumulate.

Critical health effects were not observed in laboratory studies for a similar substance, including at the highest dose tested. Based upon a comparison of levels to which Canadians may be exposed to fluorescent brightener 367 and levels associated with health effects, it was determined that the risk to Canadians is low.
Based upon the outcome of the ERC Approach, fluorescent brightener 367 is considered unlikely to be causing ecological harm.

The Government concluded that fluorescent brightener 367 is not harmful to human health at levels considered in the assessment, and that it is not entering the environment at levels that are harmful.

Fluorescent brightener 367 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.
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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 (WHMIS). For information concerning workplace health and safety and what steps to take in the workplace, Canadians should consult their employer or the Occupational Health and Safety Regulator in their jurisdiction.