CAS Registry Number 64742-04-7 (extracts (petroleum), heavy paraffinic distillate solvent)
CAS Registry Number 64742-05-8 (extracts (petroleum), light paraffinic distillate solvent)
CAS Registry Number 64742-11-6 (extracts (petroleum), heavy naphthenic distillate solvent)
What are they?
There are 3 substances included in the distillate aromatic extracts (DAEs) assessment. These 3 substances are a subset of aromatic extract substances and are complex combinations of hydrocarbons. These aromatic extracts are produced as by-products during the refining of crude oil.
These DAEs can be blended to make other petroleum substances.
Due to their untreated nature, these substances have high levels of aromatic compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
How are they used?
These substances are consumed on-site at refineries and are also transported in Canada for use at industrial and commercial facilities.
Two DAEs (CAS RN 64742-11-6 and CAS RN 64742-04-7) are reported as being in industrial and professional grade products, such as rubbers, adhesives, sealants, solvents, and roofing materials.
Historically, DAEs have been used in the production of vehicle tires and, therefore, they may be found in recycled crumb rubber derived from old tire stocks, which can be used to make rubber surfaces (for example, playground and athletic surfaces, including artificial turf).
In the European Union, regulations restrict the use of DAEs in tires as well as in rubber and plastic consumer products.
Internationally the use of DAEs in tires and soft rubber and plastic products available to consumers has declined. In Canada tire manufacturers no longer use DAEs.
Why did the Government of Canada assess them?
These 3 DAEs were identified as priorities for assessment through the categorization of substances on the Domestic Substances List.
Canadians may be exposed to DAEs from their potential presence in rubber surfaces (for example, playground and athletic surfaces, including artificial turf). The substances may be present in these rubber surfaces as a component of crumb rubber, which is made of recycled tires.
Canadians may also be exposed to DAEs during their production and storage at refineries and during their transportation between industrial facilities.
How are they released into the environment?
DAEs may be released to the environment from petroleum facilities, accidental spills, and during transportation. Releases may also occur during the manufacture and use of products containing DAEs (such as industrial/professional-grade products and older tires).
What are the results of the assessment?
The Government of Canada conducted a science-based evaluation of 3 DAEs, called a screening assessment.
Screening assessments address the potential for harm to the general population of Canada and to the environment. More information on types of approaches used to address substances can be found in the Risk Assessment Toolbox fact sheet.
Results of the final screening assessment indicate that the quantities of these DAEs that may be released to the environment are below the levels expected to cause harm to organisms.
Exposure of the general population to these 3 DAEs is considered to be low during their production, storage, bulk transportation between facilities and from their potential presence in crumb rubber derived from old tire stocks (for example, in outdoor playground surfaces, rubberized tracks and artificial fields). In addition, product testing results indicate that DAEs are not being used to produce commonly available soft rubber and plastic products available to consumers in the Canadian marketplace.
The Government of Canada therefore concluded that these 3 DAEs are not entering the environment at levels that constitute a danger to the environment.
The Government of Canada also concluded that these 3 DAEs are not harmful to human health at current levels of exposure.
Based on the conclusion of the final screening assessment, the Government of Canada proposes that no further action be taken on DAEs.
What can Canadians do?
Under CEPA 1999, the risk posed by a substance is determined by considering both the hazardous properties (its potential to cause adverse human health or ecological effects) and the amount of exposure there is to people or the environment. DAEs are not a concern for the environment or human health at current levels of exposure.
As a general precaution, Canadians are reminded when using any product to carefully follow safety warnings and directions and to dispose of products appropriately.
Canadians who may be exposed to DAEs in the workplace should consult with their employer and occupational health and safety (OHS) representatives about safe handling practices, applicable laws, and requirements under OHS legislation and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).