Na3NTA - information sheet

Glycine, N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)-, trisodium salt

CAS Registry Number 5064-31-3

Overview

The Government of Canada conducted a science-based screening assessment under Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) to address the potential for harm to Canadians and to the environment from Na₃NTA.
Under 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.
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, Na3NTA is not proposed to be harmful to human health or the environment at levels of exposure considered in the assessment. Although Na₃NTA is not considered to be harmful to human health at levels of exposure considered in the assessment, this substance has health effects of concern. Therefore, there may be potential risk for human health if exposures were to increase.

The screening assessment summarized here focuses on glycine, N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)-, trisodium salt. This substance may also be referred to as Na3NTA. It was assessed as part of the third phase of the Chemicals Management Plan.
Na3NTA was previously included in the Final Screening Assessment for Glycine, N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)- (nitrilotriacetic acid, or NTA), but the assessment did not have a conclusion for Na3NTA.
According to information gathered by the Government, Na₃NTA is used in Canada in water treatment, cleaning products, food packaging, paper products, fabric, textile and leather articles, personal care, photographic supplies, and agricultural products.
Na₃NTA may be used in cleaners and detergents used in food processing establishments and in pest control products registered in Canada.

The main source of exposure to Na₃NTA is from products available to consumers, such as cleaning products (wood floor cleaning liquid, wood floor polishing spray, boat cleaner) and cosmetics (hair dye, face moisturizer). There is also potential for exposure from environmental sources, such as drinking water.
According to the information considered under the ERC Approach, Na₃NTA was identified as having low ecological exposure potential.

To identify health effects information, international and national reports were considered. This included assessments by the European Union, the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, the Australian Government and the Government of Canada.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified Na₃NTA as "possibly carcinogenic to humans”. Effects on the development of pre-cancerous lesions progressing to tumor formation in the urinary system were considered to be critical effects in this screening assessment.
The European Commission has classified Na₃NTA as a Category 3 carcinogen.
According to information considered under the ERC Approach, this substance was identified as having a low ecological hazard potential.

Based upon a comparison of levels to which Canadians may be exposed to Na₃NTA and levels associated with health effects, it was determined that the risk to human health from this substance is considered to be low.
Based upon the outcome of the ERC Approach, this substance is considered unlikely to be causing ecological harm.
The Government of Canada published the Draft Screening Assessment for Na₃NTA on December 19, 2020. The public is invited to comment on the assessment during the 60-day public comment period ending on February 17, 2021.

As a result of the draft screening assessment, the Government is proposing that Na₃NTA is not harmful to human health at levels of exposure considered in the assessment.
The government is also proposing that Na₃NTA is not entering the environment at levels that are harmful to the environment.

Although Na₃NTA is not considered to be harmful to human health at current levels of exposure, this substance is considered to have a health effect of concern based on its potential for carcinogenicity of the urinary tract. Therefore, there may be a potential risk for human health if exposure to this substance were to increase.
For this reason, follow-up activities to track changes in exposure or commercial use patterns for Na₃NTA are being considered.
Stakeholders are encouraged to provide any information pertaining to this substance that may help inform the choice of follow-up activity during the 60-day public comment period on the assessment. This could include information on new or planned import, manufacture or use of the substance.

Na₃NTA 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 for NA₃NTA focused on potential risks of exposure to 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.