Ethanol, 2,2'-[[3-chloro-4-[(2,6-dichloro-4-nitrophenyl)azo]phenyl]imino]bis- (Disperse Brown 1)

CAS Registry Number 23355-64-8

What is it?

• Ethanol, 2,2'-[[3-chloro-4-[(2,6-dichloro-4-nitrophenyl)azo]phenyl]imino]bis, also known as Disperse Brown 1, is an industrial chemical.

How is it used?

• Disperse Brown 1 has previously been used as a colorant dye, mainly in textiles and fabric.
• Small quantities of Disperse Brown 1 are believed to be in commerce; however, there is no recent information on manufacturing, importation or use of this substance.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it?

• Prior to assessment, Disperse Brown 1 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.

How is it released to the environment?

• Disperse Brown 1 may be released to the environment during industrial processes and consumer use.
• Upon its release, most of the substance is expected to end up in solid waste disposal sites. A significant proportion is also estimated to be released to sewer water.
• Disperse Brown 1 may remain in the environment for a long time when released. However, data suggests that the substance does not significantly accumulate in or directly harm organisms.

What are the results of the assessment?

• The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of Disperse Brown 1 called a screening assessment.
• Results of the final assessment indicate that although Disperse Brown 1 may remain in the environment for a long time, the substance is not expected to accumulate in organisms.
• Furthermore, the amount of Disperse Brown 1 that may be released to the environment is below the level expected to cause harm to organisms.
• The Government of Canada has therefore determined that Disperse Brown 1 is not entering the environment in a quantity or under conditions that constitute a danger to the environment.

What is the Government of Canada doing?

• Based on the conclusion of the final screening assessment, no further action is required for this substance.
• The final screening assessment was published on August 22, 2009.

What could Canadians do?

• Since Disperse Brown 1 is not presently a concern for the environment or human health, Canadians do not currently need to take any specific actions with respect to this chemical.