TMSS - information sheet

Silanamine, 1,1,1-trimethyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)-, hydrolysis products with silica (TMSS)
CAS Registry Number 68909-20-6

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 TMSS.
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 TMSS is not harmful to human health or the environment at levels of exposure considered in the assessment.

The screening assessment summarized here focuses on silanamine, 1,1,1-trimethyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)-, hydrolysis products with silica. This substance may also be referred to as TMSS. It was assessed as part of the third phase of the Chemicals Management Plan .
TMSS is a substance of Unknown or Variable Composition, Complex Reaction Products, or Biological Materials (UVCBs). It does not naturally occur in the environment.
According to information gathered by the Government, this substance is used in Canada mainly in the manufacturing of cosmetics, sunscreens, multipurpose cement adhesives, paints, silicone rubbers, inks and toners and medical devices, as well as in industrial applications including automotive, electrical and electronic. TMSS may also be found in pest control products.
The substance may be used in food packaging materials however, exposure from this use is expected to be negligible. It may be used as a component in an incidental additive used in food processing establishments with no expected exposure.

Canadians may be exposed to TMSS through the use of products available to consumers, with cosmetics (including dry hair shampoo and facial blush) as the main sources of exposure.
According to the information considered under the ERC Approach, TMSS was identified as having low ecological exposure potential.

There were limited health effects (hazard) data for TMSS; therefore, a comparative approach using similar chemicals, called read-across, was also used to assess potential health effects. Lung effects were identified as the critical effect for characterizing the risk to human health from repeated inhalation of TMSS.
According to the information considered under the ERC Approach, TMSS was identified as having a low ecological hazard potential.

Using a comparison of levels to which Canadians may be exposed to TMSS, and levels associated with critical effects, it was determined that the risk to human health is low.
According to information considered under the ERC Approach, TMSS is unlikely to be causing ecological harm.
The Government of Canada published the Draft Screening Assessment for TMSS on September 19, 2020. The public is invited to comment on the assessment during the 60-day public comment period ending on November 18, 2020.

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

TMSS 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. 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.