Butanamide, 2,2'-[(3,3'-dimethoxy[1,1'-biphenyl]-4,4'-diyl)bis(azo)]bis[N-(2-methylphenyl)-3-oxo- (BPAOPB)

CAS Registry 7147-42-4

What is it?

• Butanamide, 2,2'-[(3,3'-dimethoxy[1,1'-biphenyl]-4,4'-diyl)bis(azo)]bis[N-(2-methylphenyl)-3-oxo-, also known as BPAOPB, is a powdered organic pigment.

How is it used?

• BPAOPB is a used as a coloured pigment, with possible applications in printing inks, plastics and coatings.
• BPAOPB is manufactured in Canada, but is not imported into Canada.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it?

• Prior to assessment, BPAOPB 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.
• BPAOPB was not considered to be a high priority for assessment of potential risks to human health; however, potential health effects were also evaluated in this screening assessment.

How is it released into the environment?

• BPAOPB may be released to the environment through the wastewaters of industrial processes.

How are Canadians exposed to it?

• The general population is not likely to be exposed to BPAOPB since it is used primarily in organic dye and pigment manufacturing and no consumer products containing this substance were identified in Canada.

What are the results of the assessment?

• The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of BPAOPB called a screening assessment.
• Screening assessments address potential for harm to the general population (not including workplace exposures) and the environment.
• Results of the final screening assessment indicate that although BPAOPB has the potential to remain in the environment for a long time, it is not expected to accumulate in organisms.
• Furthermore, the quantity of BPAOPB that may be released to the environment is below the level expected to cause harm to organisms.
• The Government of Canada has therefore concluded that BPAOPB 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 BPAOPB 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?

• Based on the conclusion of the final screening assessment, no further action will be taken on BPAOPB.
• As BPAOPB is an azo compound, this assessment may be updated as part of the class assessment on azo- and benzidine-based substances announced in the June 5, 2010 Notice of intent.
• 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 adverse health effects) and the dose (the amount of chemical to which a person is exposed). BPAOPB 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 safety warnings and directions.
• Canadians who handle BPAOPB 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).