Batch 7 Substances

News Release - Chemicals Management Plan Moves into New Phase with Release of Draft Screening Assessments for Batch 7 Substances

Backgrounder

Of the 14 substances assessed in Batch 7, three are proposed to be classified as harmful to human health (Michler's ketone, n-BGE and 2-butanone oxime) under section 64 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act 1999 (CEPA). If these conclusions are maintained in the final assessment, the Ministers of Health and Environment will recommend adding these three substances to Schedule 1 of CEPA, 1999.  Risk management activities being explored to control these substances will be published on the Government's chemicals management website on September 4, 2009.

Information on the three specific substances that may be harmful to human health is provided below.

Five of the remaining 11 substances, which are no longer in commerce in Canada, have hazardous properties that could affect the environment if commercial activity resumes.  Therefore it is being proposed that the Significant New Activity (SNAc) provisions of CEPA, 1999 be applied, which require new and future uses to be notified and assessed.

The complete draft screening assessment reports as well as risk management scope documents for all Batch 7 substances can be found on the  Government of Canada's Chemicals Management Plan website.

Michler's ketone

• Michler's ketone is found in Canada and elsewhere as a residue (leftover from manufacturing process) in dyes and pigments used in paper products.
• Michler's ketone can also be used in industrial processes such as in dry film products and in electronics manufacturing. It may also be found in inks in pens.
• Based on the most recent data available, Michler's ketone is not manufactured in Canada but is imported into Canada.
• Prior to assessment, Michler's ketone was identified as a potential concern for human health based on its classification by international organizations as a carcinogen and its moderate potential for exposure to Canadians.

n-BGE

• n-BGE is used as a diluent for epoxy resins; serving as a viscosity reducer, as a chemical used in the manufacture of other chemicals and as a stabilizer of chlorinated solvents.
• In Canada, it is mainly used in epoxy resin formulations which have applications in coatings, adhesives, binders, sealants, fillers and resins.
• n-BGE is not manufactured in Canada but is imported into Canada.
• Prior to assessment, n-BGE was identified as a potential concern to human health based on its classification by international organizations as a carcinogen that can cause genetic damage, and its moderate potential for exposure to Canadians.

2-butanone oxime

• 2-Butanone oxime is widely used as an anti-skinning agent in the formulation of alkyd paints, varnishes, stains and coatings.
• Other uses in Canada also include some pesticide products, namely wood preservatives and antifouling marine paints, a corrosion inhibitor in industrial boilers and water treatment systems, and a blocking agent in the manufacturing process of urethane polymers. 
• 2-Butanone oxime is not manufactured in Canada but is imported into Canada.
• Prior to assessment, 2-butanone oxime was identified as a potential concern to human health based on its classification by international organizations as a carcinogen and its high potential for exposure to Canadians.