p-Toluenesulfonic acid - Information sheet

Benzenesulfonic acid, 4-methyl-
(PTSA)
CAS Registry Number 104-15-4

Overview

The Government of Canada conducted a science-based screening assessment under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) to address the potential for harm to Canadians and to the environment from p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA).
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, the Government is proposing that PTSA is not harmful to human health or to the environment at levels of exposure considered in the assessment.

The screening assessment summarized here focuses on p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA), also referred to as benzenesulfonic acid, 4-methyl-. It was assessed under the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP).
PTSA does not occur naturally in the environment.
According to information gathered by the Government, in Canada, PTSA is used in Canada in the manufacture of paints and coatings, and of plastic and rubber materials. PTSA is also present in certain cosmetics.

Canadians may be exposed to PTSA from the use of an adhesive for crack repair of structural materials (including concrete and wood), certain varnish sprays for interior wood furnishings and cosmetics, such as face lotion, hair dye, and hair conditioner.
According to the information considered under the ERC Approach, PTSA was identified as having a low ecological exposure potential.

To identify health effects information, international reports of data were considered. This included an assessment by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Cooperative Chemicals Assessment Programme.
On the basis of considerations set out in the Science Approach Document for Substances with Low Human Health Hazard Potential, PTSA is considered to have a low health hazard potential.
According to information considered under the ERC Approach, PTSA was identified as having a low ecological hazard potential.

Based upon the information presented in the draft screening assessment, and consideration of international assessments, the risk to human health from PTSA is low.
Based upon the outcome of the ERC Approach, PTSA is considered unlikely to be causing ecological harm.
The Government of Canada published the Draft Screening Assessment for p-toluenesulfonic acid on October 17, 2020. The public is invited to comment on the assessment during the 60-day public comment period ending on December 16, 2020.

The Government is proposing that PTSA is not harmful to human health at levels of exposure considered in the assessment.
The Government is also proposing that PTSA is not entering the environment at levels that are harmful to the environment.

PTSA 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 PTSA 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, Canadians should consult their employer for information on what steps to take in the workplace and/or the Occupational Health and Safety Regulator in their jurisdiction.