Re-evaluation Note REV2012-21, Re-evaluation Project Plan for 3-methyl-4-chlorophenol (parachlorocresol) and 4-chloro-3-methyl-phenol (sodium salt)

Pest Management Regulatory Agency
17 December 2012
ISSN: 1925-0649 (PDF version)
Catalogue number: H113-5/2012-21E-PDF (PDF version)

Introduction

In Canada, parachlorocresol (3-methyl-4-chlorophenol) and 4-chloro-3-methyl-phenol (sodium salt) are under re-evaluation by Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). The PMRA's pesticide re-evaluation program considers potential risks as well as the value of pesticide products to ensure they continue to meet standards of modern science and current policy established to protect human health and the environment. Under the authority of section 16 of the Pest Control Products Act, the registrant of parachlorocresol and 4-chloro-3-methyl-phenol (sodium salt) was notified of the initiation of the re-evaluation of parachlorocresol and 4-chloro-3-methyl-phenol (sodium salt). Following this, the registrant of parachlorocresol and 4-chloro-3-methyl-phenol (sodium salt) technical grade active ingredients in Canada indicated their intention to support all uses included on the labels of commercial products in Canada. This Re-evaluation Note outlines a project plan and timeline for review, as well as summarizes the anticipated areas of focus related to the re-evaluation of parachlorocresol and 4-chloro-3-methyl-phenol (sodium salt).

Parachlorocresol and 4-chloro-3-methyl-phenol (sodium salt) are material preservatives that have been registered in Canada since 1998. Parachlorocresol and 4-chloro-3-methyl-phenol (sodium salt) are currently registered as Material Preservatives (Use-Site Category 18) for use in adhesives and glues, joint cements, polymer dispersions and emulsions, leather, metal working fluids, materials in the printing, paper, photo, textile and oil industry, building materials, coating materials (for example, paint), polishing and wax materials, protein solutions, cleaning solutions, detergents, ceramic glazes and fire extinguishing materials. Registered parachlorocresol and 4-chloro-3-methyl-phenol (sodium salt) end-use products are formulated as flakes or a solution and pellets, respectively, to be applied via open pour during the manufacturing process for manufactured materials (for example, paints, adhesives, etc.) or added directly to the solution to be preserved when used as a preservative (for example, in metalworking fluids, leather processing, cement).

The project plan discussed below outlines the anticipated areas of focus and risk assessments required to complete the re-evaluation of parachlorocresol and 4-chloro-3-methyl-phenol (sodium salt). Should additional information become available during the re-evaluation period that affects the regulatory status of parachlorocresol and 4-chloro-3-methyl-phenol (sodium salt), the PMRA will reconsider the areas of focus and risk assessments required. Currently, a proposed re-evaluation decision for parachlorocresol and 4-chloro-3-methyl-phenol (sodium salt) is anticipated to be published for consultation in 2013.

Re-evaluation Project Plan

Human Health Risk Assessment

  • A review of parachlorocresol and 4-chloro-3-methyl-phenol (sodium salt) toxicology was conducted in support of the initial registration and the toxicology database for parachlorocresol and 4-chloro-3-methyl-phenol (sodium salt) still meets current requirements.
  • Occupational risk assessments previously conducted to support the registered uses will be verified to ensure that health risks associated with the use of parachlorocresol and 4-chloro-3-methyl-phenol (sodium salt) continue to be acceptable.
  • Given the Canadian use pattern and low end-use concentrations of active ingredients in finished products, a quantitative residential exposure assessment is not required.
  • Based on the registered use pattern for parachlorocresol and 4-chloro-3-methyl-phenol (sodium salt), a dietary exposure assessment is not required.

Environmental Risk Assessment

  • Based on the registered use pattern, environmental exposure to parachlorocresol and 4-chloro-3-methyl-phenol (sodium salt) is expected to be low.
  • Toxic Substances Management Policy will be considered and the labels will be updated to reflect current standards.

Value

  • The value of parachlorocresol and 4-chloro-3-methyl-phenol (sodium salt) will be considered. The viability of alternatives will be examined if risks of concern are identified.

Data Requirements

  • No additional data requirements have been identified for parachlorocresol and 4-chloro-3-methyl-phenol (sodium salt) at this time.

Anticipated Timeline for Re-evaluation

  • A proposed re-evaluation decision for parachlorocresol and 4-chloro-3-methyl-phenol (sodium salt) is anticipated to be published for consultation in 2013.

Additional Information

PMRA documents can be found on our website. PMRA documents are also available through the Pest Management Information Service. Phone: 1-800-267-6315 within Canada or 1-613-736-3799 outside Canada (long distance charges apply); fax: 613-736-3798; e-mail: pmra.infoserv@hc-sc.gc.ca.

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