Heptamethylnonane - information sheet

Nonane, 2,2,4,4,6,8,8-heptamethyl - (HMN)
CAS Registry Number 4390-04-9

Publications summarized:

Final Screening Assessment for Heptamethylnonane (published on January 8, 2022). Public comments received on the draft screening assessment were considered and a summary was published.
Associated notice: Canada Gazette, Part I: Vol. 156, No. 6 - February 5, 2022.

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 both by 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 this substance were classified using the Ecological Risk Classification of Organic Substances (ERC) Approach.
Heptamethylnonane is primarily used as an ingredient in self-care products. Based on current levels of exposure considered in the assessment, the Government concluded that this substance is not harmful to human health or to the environment.

The screening assessment focused on the substance nonane, 2,2,4,4,6,8,8-heptamethyl-, also referred to as heptamethylnonane (HMN). It was assessed under the third phase of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP).
HMN is not known to occur naturally in the environment.
According to information gathered by the Government, HMN is mainly used in Canada as an ingredient in self-care products including cosmetics, natural health products, and non-prescription drugs. It has various functions, for example, as a skin conditioning agent, emollient or solvent.

The screening assessment indicated that Canadians may be exposed to HMN from the use of certain self-care products, such as moisturizers, make-up products, and sunscreens, among others.
According to information considered under the ERC Approach, HMN was identified as having a low ecological exposure potential.

The general principles outlined in the Science Approach Document for Substances with Low Human Health Hazard Potential were taken into consideration for the health effects assessment. HMN is considered to have a low health hazard potential.
A comparative approach using a similar chemical, called read-across, was used to inform the human health effects from exposures via the inhalation route.
According to information considered under the ERC Approach, HMN was identified as having a moderate ecological hazard potential based on its moderate toxicity.

On the basis of the information presented in the screening assessment, the risk to human health from HMN is low.
Based upon the outcome of the ERC Approach, HMN is considered unlikely to be causing ecological harm.

The Government concluded that HMN is not harmful to human health, and that HMN is not entering the environment at levels that are harmful.

HMN 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 (WHMIS). 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.

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