Liquefied petroleum gases (Stream 4 petroleum and refinery gases) - information sheet

Petroleum gases, liquefied
CAS Registry Number 68476-85-7

Petroleum gases, liquefied, sweetened
CAS Registry Number 68476-86-8

Publications summarized:

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Overview

  • The Government of of Canada conducts risk assessments of substances under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) to determine whether they present or may present a risk to human health or to the environment.
    • The risks posed by a substance are determined by bothits hazardous properties (potential to cause adverse human health or ecological effects) and the amount or extent of exposure to people and the environment.
    • When needed, the Government implements risk management measures under CEPA 1999 and other federal acts to help prevent or reduce potential harm.
  • The Government concluded that the 2 substances in the assessment of liquefied petroleum gases are harmful to human health at levels of exposure considered in the assessment.
    • The concern was due to a small portion of Canadians that may be exposed near petroleum facilities. These substances are associated with the potential to cause cancer. Risk management actions were taken.
  • The Government also concluded that these 2 substances are not entering the environment at levels that are harmful to the environment.

About these substances

Human and ecological exposures

  • The screening assessment indicated that Canadians may be exposed to LPGs during the indoor use of aerosol products containing LPGs as aerosol propellants.
  • Canadians living in the vicinity of petroleum facilities or filling stations may also be exposed to LPGs from unintentional releases of the substances.
  • LPGs may be released to the environment during transportation and transferring, and during use of aerosol products available to consumers.

Key health and ecological effects (hazard)

  • Carcinogenicity (potential to cause cancer) was considered to be the important or critical effect for these substances, used for characterizing the risk to human health in the assessment.
  • No ecological effects have been identified for these substances.

Risk assessment outcomes

  • Based upon the information presented in the screening assessment, it was determined that these substances may pose a risk to human health, as there is a small portion of Canadians that may be exposed near petroleum facilities.
  • It was also determined that there is low risk of harm to the environment from these substances.

Screening assessment conclusions

  • The Government concluded that these 2 substances are harmful to human health, at levels of exposure considered in the assessment.
  • The Government also concluded that these substances are not entering the environment at levels that are harmful.

Preventive actions and reducing risk

Where to find updates on risk management actions

Related information

  • LPGs may be found in products available to consumers. Canadians should follow any safety warnings and directions on product labels and dispose of products responsibly.
  • Canadians who may be exposed to these substances in the workplace should consult with their employer and an occupational health and safety (OHS) representative about safe handling practices, applicable laws, and requirements under OHS legislation and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).

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