Heptamethylnonane - information sheet

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

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 heptamethylnonane (HMN).
Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 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, the Government is proposing that HMN is not harmful to human health or to the environment.

The screening assessment summarized here focuses on the substance nonane, 2,2,4,4,6,8,8-heptamethyl-, also referred to as heptamethylnonane (HMN). It was assessed under the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP).
HMN is not known to occur naturally in the environment. According to information gathered by the Government, it is mainly used as an ingredient in self-care products. It has various functions, for example, as a skin conditioning agent, emollient or solvent.

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 Ecological Risk Classification of Organic Substances 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 this 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 assessment to address some data limitations (lack of hazard data for the inhalation route).
According to information considered under the Ecological Risk Classification of Organic Substances 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 draft screening assessment, the risk to human health from HMN is low.
Based upon the outcome of the Ecological Risk Classification of Organic Substances Approach, HMN is considered unlikely to be causing ecological harm.
The Government of Canada published the Draft Screening Assessment for Heptamethylnonane on February 1, 2020. The public are invited to comment on the assessment during the 60-day public comment period ending on April 1, 2020.

As a result of the draft screening assessment, the Government is proposing that HMN is not harmful to human health, and that HMN is not entering the environment at levels that are harmful to the environment.

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.
Canadians who may be exposed to HMN in the workplace should consult with their employer and an occupational health and safety (OHS) representative about safe handling practices, applicable laws, and requirements under OHS legislation and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System.