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 or the environment.
When needed, the Government implements risk management measures under CEPA and other federal acts to help prevent or reduce potential harm.
As a result of the assessment, the Government concluded that these 8 substances are not harmful to human health or the environment at levels of exposure considered in the assessment. All the substances are considered to be of low hazard potential for human health and the environment, or to have low exposure potential for the general population and the Canadian environment.
About these substances
The assessment focused on 8 substances, referred to collectively as the select hydrocarbon-based substances under the third phase of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP).
According to information gathered by the Government of Canada, petroleum resins is used in asphalt, adhesives and sealants, lubricants and greases, and polishes and waxes. The use of resin substances as components of asphalt is considered to have been addressed through the Asphalt and Oxidized Asphalt screening assessment, which concluded that these asphalt and oxidized asphalt substances have low potential of concern for the environment and human health.
Petroleum resins also appear in some cosmetics and natural health products as an adhesive. Hydrocarbon resin is used mostly in household and construction adhesive products. Polymerized C5-12 distillates is an intermediate in petrochemical processes. These 3 substances are polymeric and are expected to have similar properties; therefore, they are grouped together in this assessment.
Oxidized hydrocarbon waxes with ethanolamine (EA) and oxidized hydrocarbon waxes with 2-(methylamino)ethanol (2-MAE) are not manufactured, imported or used in Canada, based on available information. Additionally, these 2 substances contain oxidized petrolatum and alkanolamine moieties ("moiety" means a part of a molecule that is expected to have toxicological significance), which have been previously assessed by the Government and were not found to be harmful to human health or the environment at levels of exposure considered in those assessments.
Alkylated naphthalene sulfonate sodium salt polymers with formaldehyde is used as a formulant in pest control products, and industrially as a wetting and penetrating agent.
Heavy oxo ends is used as an industrial de-foamer.
Sulfurized petroleum has industrial uses as a metal-working agent in industrial cutting oils.
An additional 35 hydrocarbon-based substances were previously considered in other CMP assessments of hydrocarbon substances and therefore did not undergo further assessment at this time.
Human and ecological exposures
There is potential for exposure of people in Canada to petroleum resins and hydrocarbon resin through use of products available to consumers.
Exposure of people in Canada to polymerized C5-12 distillates, oxidized hydrocarbon waxes with EA, and oxidized hydrocarbon waxes with 2-MAE is expected to be low, based on their limited use in Canada.
Exposure to alkylated naphthalene sulfonate sodium salt polymers with formaldehyde, heavy oxo ends, and sulfurized petroleum is not expected.
There is potential for environmental exposure from heavy oxo ends from its use as an industrial de-foamer; however, exposure to the environment is expected to be low given the substance's overall biodegradability (ability of a substance to breakdown), as well as the components of concern having low to very low water solubility (ability to dissolve), and the removal of components of concern during wastewater treatment.
The 8 hydrocarbon-based substances were considered to have low exposure potential for the general population in Canada.
Based on current use patterns and availability in Canada, environmental exposure to the remaining 7 hydrocarbon-based substances is expected to be low.
As petroleum resins, hydrocarbon resin and polymerized C5-12 distillates have similar properties, a similar read across approach was used for assessing potential health effects.
The 8 hydrocarbon-based substances were considered to have low hazard potential for human health.
Based upon available information, heavy oxo ends was identified as having a potential hazard to the environment due to potential ecotoxicity of soluble alcohol components. The remaining 7 hydrocarbon-based substances are considered to represent a low hazard to the environment.
Consideration of subpopulations who may be more susceptible or highly exposed
There are groups of individuals within the Canadian population who, due to greater susceptibility or greater exposure, may be more vulnerable to experiencing adverse health effects from exposure to substances.
Subpopulations living near industrial releases who may have potential for higher exposures were considered in the assessment.
Risk assessment outcomes
Assessments focus on information critical to determining whether substances are harmful to human health or the environment under CEPA. This is done by considering scientific information, including information, if available, on subpopulations who may have greater susceptibility or greater exposure, vulnerable environments and cumulative effects and by incorporating a weight of evidence approach and precaution.
On the basis of the exposure and hazard information presented in the assessment, the risk to human health from the select 8 hydrocarbon-based substances is considered to be low.
Considering all information presented in the assessment, it was determined that the 8 select hydrocarbon-based substances are unlikely to be causing ecological harm.
Assessment conclusions
The Government is concluding that petroleum resins, hydrocarbon resin, polymerized C5-12 distillates, oxidized hydrocarbon waxes with EA, oxidized hydrocarbon waxes with 2-MAE, alkylated naphthalene sulfonate sodium salt polymers with formaldehyde, heavy oxo ends, and sulfurized petroleum are not harmful to human health at levels of exposure considered in the assessment.
The Government is also concluding that these 8 substances are not entering the environment at levels that are harmful.
Related resources
Some of the select hydrocarbon-based substances may be found in products available to consumers. People in Canada should follow any safety warnings and directions related to the product and dispose of products
Visit Healthy home for information on chemical safety in and around the home.
Use the Substances Search tool to find substances that are referenced in certain legislative or regulatory instruments or on Government of Canada websites.
Assessments conducted under CEPA focus on risks of exposure of the general population. Hazards related to chemicals used in the workplace are defined within the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). If a substance is harmful to the general population, it could also be of concern for individuals in situations where a higher volume of the substance is used or where the substance is used for a longer duration (for example, the workplace). The Government of Canada recognizes that it is the responsibility of the federal, provincial and territorial occupational health and safety organizations to coordinate legislation for the safe use of chemicals in the workplace. We are working to support this role by integrating the information, tools, and/or technical expertise of the CMP and Health Canada's Workplace Hazardous Products Program.
