Decenes

Learn about 2 decene substances.

On this page

• About decenes
• Safety of hydrogenated didecene and HTTD
• What we're doing
• What you can do

About decenes

Decene is the name for a specific group of chemicals that share a common chemical structure. For the purposes of this overview, the following 2 substances make up the decenes group:

• hydrogenated didecene
• 1-decene, tetramer, mixed with 1-decene trimer, hydrogenated (HTTD)

Products found in Canada that may contain both HTTD and hydrogenated didecene include:

• lubricants and greases, such as:
  • gear oil
  • transmission oil
  • firearm maintenance sprays

Hydrogenated didecene may also be found in:

• certain cosmetics, such as:
  • lipsticks
  • cleansers
  • moisturizers
• topical skin creams

Safety of hydrogenated didecene and HTTD

Under Canada's Chemicals Management Plan, we review and manage the potential risks that chemical substances can pose to Canadians and the environment. The first stage of the review process is a draft chemical risk assessment.

We've completed the draft assessment of 2 decene substances, hydrogenated didecene and HTTD. We're proposing that these substances may pose a risk to your health.

Specifically, breathing in these substances when using cleaner, lubricant and preservation spray for firearm maintenance may cause damage to the nasal cavity or lungs.

 We're also proposing that:

• hydrogenated didecene and HTTD aren't harmful to the environment
• contact with these substances from other sources (such as through skin contact) doesn't pose a risk to your health

What we're doing

Our assessment is not yet final. We're continuing to evaluate the potential risk posed by hydrogenated didecene and HTTD before we publish our final conclusion. 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 shape our final assessment

Currently, there are no restrictions on the use of hydrogenated didecene or HTTD in Canada.

If the proposed findings for these 2 substances are confirmed in the final assessment, we will consider:

• adding hydrogenated didecene and HTTD to the List of Toxic Substances
• taking action to reduce the exposure of Canadians to hydrogenated didecene and HTTD in lubricant and preservation spray products used for firearms maintenance, and to prevent exposures from other lubricant or preservation spray products containing hydrogenated didecene or HTTD

What you can do

Consumers are reminded to:

• read product labels and follow all safety warnings and directions
  • labels on cosmetics, natural health products and drugs must list all ingredients and how to use them
• 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 hydrogenated didecene and HTTD, contact the manufacturer.

If you're exposed to hydrogenated didecene and HTTD 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

For more information

• Measuring your exposure to chemicals
• Canada's system for addressing chemicals
• Overview of the Chemicals Management Plan

For industry and professionals

• Risk assessment of chemical substances
• Decenes group – information sheet