Guanidine, N,N'-diphenyl- (Diphenylguanidine or DPG)

CAS Registry Number 102-06-7

What is it?

• Guanidine, N,N'-diphenyl-, also known as diphenylguanidine or DPG, is an industrial chemical.

How is it used?

• DPG is primarily used in the manufacturing of rubber material for tires and
  Industrial applications.
• DPG is not manufactured in Canada, but it is imported into Canada.

Why is the Government of Canada assessing it?

• Prior to the assessment, DPG was identified as a potential concern to human health based on its classification by international organizations as a substance that was found to cause reproductive toxicity in laboratory animals, and based on a moderate potential for exposure (not including workplace exposures) to the general population of Canada.
• DPG was not considered to be a high priority for assessment of potential risks to the environment; however, potential environmental effects were also evaluated in this screening assessment.

How are Canadians exposed to it?

• The general population of Canada may be exposed to DPG through environmental media (for example, soil containing tire debris); however, this exposure is expected to be low. 

How is it released to the environment?

• DPG may be released to the environment as a result of industrial processes and tire abrasion.

What are the results of the assessment?

• The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of DPG, called a screening assessment.
  Screening assessments address potential for harm to the general population (not including workplace exposures) and the environment.
• Based on the conclusion of the final screening assessment, DPG is not expected to accumulate in or cause harm to organisms, and the quantities of DPG that may be released to the environment are below the levels expected to cause harm to organisms; therefore, the Government of Canada has concluded that DPG is not entering the environment in a quantity or under conditions that constitute a danger to the environment.
• The Government of Canada has also concluded that DPG is not harmful to the health of the general population at current levels of exposure.

What is the Government of Canada doing?

• Due to the high volume use, the Government of Canada proposes to investigate the benefit of adding DPG to the Environmental Emergency Regulations, so that emergency prevention, preparedness, response and recovery requirements are put in place.
• Based on the conclusion of the final screening assessment, the Government of Canada proposes that no further action be taken on DPG.
• The final screening assessment report was published June 29, 2013.

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). DPG is not a concern for the environment or human health at current levels of exposure.
• As a general precaution, Canadians are reminded when using any product, to carefully follow any safety warnings and directions.
• Canadians who handle DPG in the workplace should consult with their occupational health and safety representative about safe handling practices, applicable laws and requirements under the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).