Phenol, 4,4 -(1-methylethylidene)bis-, reaction products with hexakis(methoxymethyl)melamine (PMEI)

CAS Registry Number 125328-28-1

What is it?

• Phenol, 4,4 -(1-methylethylidene)bis-, reaction products with hexakis(methoxymethyl)melamine, also known as PMEI, is an industrial chemical.

How is it used?

• This substance is not manufactured in Canada or imported into Canada.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it?

• Prior to assessment, PMEI was identified as a potential concern to the environment based on information regarding possible persistence, accumulation in organisms and potential to cause harm to organisms.
• In addition, PMEI was believed to be potentially in commerce in Canada prior to assessment.

How is it released to the environment?

• The Government of Canada has reviewed information that indicates that PMEI is not in commerce in Canada.
• As a result, it is unlikely that PMEI is entering the environment as a result of commercial manufacture, import or use in this country.

What are the results of the assessment?

• The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of PMEI called a screening assessment.
• Because this substance is not in commerce and no new information was received on it, this assessment was based on information collected in the past.
• Results of the final screening assessment indicate that PMEI has the potential to remain in the environment for a long time, accumulate in organisms and cause harm to organisms, but that the substance is not presently a concern because it is not in commerce.
• The Government of Canada has therefore concluded that PMEI is not entering the environment in a quantity or under conditions that constitute a danger to the environment.
• Because PMEI is not currently in commerce in Canada, it is not considered to be harmful to the health of the general population at current levels of exposure.

What is the Government of Canada doing?

• The application of the Significant New Activity (SNAc) provisions to this substance will be recommended. This would require that any proposed new manufacture, import or use be subject to further assessment, and would determine if the new activity requires further risk management consideration.
• The final screening assessment report was published on September 10, 2011.

What can Canadians do?

• The health risks associated with a chemical depend on the hazard (its potential to cause health effects) and the dose (the amount of chemical to which you are exposed). Since PMEI is not in commerce, it is not a concern for the environment or human health.
• As a general precaution, Canadians are reminded when using any product to carefully follow any safety warnings and directions.