Methylenediphenyl Diisocyanate and Diamine (MDI/MDA) Substance Grouping

Certain methylenediphenyl diisocyanate and diamine (MDI/MDA) substances are among those identified as priorities for action for the second phase of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP). The selection of these MDI/MDA substances for action is based on the categorization process completed in 2006 and on new information received as part of the first phase of the CMP. Formaldehyde, polymer with benzenamine (CAS RN 25214-70-4) was not initially prioritized for screening assessment but was added to the MDI/MDA Substance Grouping because of its similarity to the other methylenediphenyl diamine (MDA) substance in the Grouping. The Government of Canada concluded that the 5 methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) substances may be considered harmful to human health because of possible exposure from the use of certain do-it-yourself low pressure two-component spray polyurethane foam products.

• Adding substances to Schedule 1
• Applying Significant New Activity provisions
• Summary of publications
• Timelines
• Final screening assessment and risk management approach
• Background
  • Section 71 notice (mandatory survey)
  • Submissions received for the MDI/MDA Substance Grouping

Adding substances to Schedule 1

Five MDI substances have been proposed to be added to Schedule 1.

• Proposed order adding 5 substances: Canada Gazette, Part I: Vol. 151, No. 24 – June 17, 2017 (PDF version 4,275 K)

Applying Significant New Activity provisions

View the Comprehensive Listing of Substances that are Subject to a Significant New Activity Provisions.

The 2 MDA substances assessed may be addressed through the application of Significant New Activity (SNAc) provisions. A notice of intent has been published. For additional guidance on submitting information required as part of SNAc notifications, please see the Guidelines for the Notification and Testing of New Substances: Chemicals and Polymers.

• Notice of intent amending the Domestic Substances List (DSL) that applies to benzenamine, 4,4'-methylenebis- and formaldehyde, polymer with benzenamine: Canada Gazette, Part I: Vol. 151, No. 23 – June 10, 2017 (PDF version – 1,789 K)

Summary of Publications

Final screening assessment and risk management approach

In June 2017, the Final Screening Assessment for the MDI/MDA Substance Grouping was released and the related notice was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I: Vol. 151 No. 23 – June 10, 2017 (PDF version – 1,789 K).

The final screening assessment concluded that the 5 MDI substances are harmful to human health as set out in section 64(c) of CEPA 1999. It also concluded that the 2 MDA substances are not harmful to the environment or to human health. Therefore the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health proposed to add the 5 MDI substances to Schedule 1 of the Act.

A proposed risk management approach document for these 5 MDI substances was also released on this date for a 60-day public comment period. This document builds on the previously released risk management scope document, and outlines, in more depth, the risk management actions for these substances, including the choice of risk management instruments.

In August 2014, the Draft Screening Assessment for the MDI/MDA Substance Grouping was released and the related notice was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I: Vol. 148, No. 33 - August 16, 2014 (PDF Version - 937 K).  A risk management scope document was also released in conjunction with this publication.

Background

Section 71 notice (mandatory survey)

In June 2012, a notice was issued in the Canada Gazette, Part I: Vol.146, No.24 - June 16, 2012 ( PDF Version - 3,671 K) under section 71 of CEPA 1999. This notice applied to 8 substances; specifically, 7 substances that are part of the MDI/MDA Substance Grouping, and one substance (phenol, methyl-) that is part of the Internationally Classified Substance Grouping. The notice was issued in order to gather updated data on the manufacture, import and uses of these substances for the year 2011. Every person to whom this notice applied was required to comply with the Notice no later than 5 p.m. EDT, October 16, 2012.

It is important to note that formaldehyde, polymer with benzenamine (CAS RN 25214-70-4), included in the notice, was not initially identified in the MDI/MDA Substance Grouping. Information was however collected on this CAS RN as it was believed to be a commercially relevant mixture containing benzenamine, 4,4'-methylenebis- (CAS RN 101-77-9).