BHT and your health
Learn about BHT and its safety.
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About BHT
Butylated hydroxytoluene, or BHT, is a substance used in many industrial, commercial and consumer applications. It can be used as a preservative in foods and food packaging materials. It can also be found in a variety of products available to consumers, including:
- cosmetics
- fabrics and textiles
- plastics and rubber
- lubricants and fuels
- paints and coatings
- non-prescription drugs
- adhesives and sealants
- natural health products
People in Canada are exposed to BHT through:
- drinking water
- food and food packaging materials
- products available to consumers, such as:
- paints
- lubricants
- cosmetics
- plastics and rubber
- automotive products
BHT is part of a group of substances called substituted phenols.
Safety of BHT
Under Canada's Chemicals Management Plan, we review and manage the potential risks that chemical substances can pose to people in Canada and the environment. The first stage of the review process is a draft chemical risk assessment.
We have completed the draft assessment of the substituted phenols group of substances, including BHT. We're proposing that BHT is not harmful to human health at current levels of exposure.
However, we're proposing that BHT is harmful to the environment.
What we're doing
Our assessment is not yet final. Before we publish our conclusion, we're continuing to evaluate the potential risk posed by the substituted phenols group of substances, including BHT. This includes:
- tracking new information on exposures or hazards
- asking the public to comment on our draft assessment
- reviewing and using this information to help inform our final assessment
The use of BHT as a food additive is regulated through the List of Permitted Preservatives. This informs manufacturers, importers and sellers of the maximum level of use (or concentration) of BHT that's permitted in foods, whether added directly or from food packaging.
What you can do
If you're concerned about BHT and its impact on the environment, you can take steps to reduce exposure to the substance.
Read food and product labels. Follow all safety warnings and directions:
- labels on cosmetics, natural health products and non-prescription drugs must list all ingredients and instructions for use
- only use over-the-counter products that have a drug identification number (DIN) or natural product number (NPN)
- these numbers mean the product is regulated under the Food and Drugs Act
- follow the manufacturer's directions to dispose of the product safely
Provide any comments on our draft assessment during the 60-day public comment period.
If you're unsure if your product contains BHT, contact the manufacturer.
If you're exposed to BHT at work, talk to your employer and occupational health and safety (OHS) official about:
- relevant laws
- safe handling and storage practices
- requirements under OHS legislation and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
Related links
- Use household chemicals safely
- Measuring your exposure to chemicals
- Canada's systems for addressing chemicals
- Overview of the Chemicals Management Plan
For industry and professionals
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