Glycine, N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)- (NTA)

CAS Registry Number 139-13-9

What is it?

• Glycine, N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)-, also known as NTA, is an industrial chemical.

How is it used?

• In Canada, the major use of NTA is in institutional and industrial cleaning products.
• NTA is also used in a variety of industrial processes, such as the industrial treatment of boiler water and in pulp and paper processing to produce paper and paperboard products.
• NTA is not currently manufactured in Canada, but it is imported into Canada.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it?

• Prior to the assessment, NTA was identified as a potential concern for human health based on its classification by international organizations as a substance that was found to cause cancer in laboratory animals, and based on a moderate potential for exposure (not including workplace exposures) to the general population of Canada.

How are Canadians exposed to it?

• The general population of Canada may be exposed to low levels of NTA through drinking water or during the use of personal care products containing a form of NTA.

How is it released to the environment?

• NTA may be released to the environment through municipal wastewaters.

What are the results of the assessment?

• The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of NTA, called a screening assessment.
• Screening assessments address potential for harm to the general population (not including workplace exposures) and the environment.
• The Government of Canada has concluded that NTA is not harmful to the health of the general population at current levels of exposure.
• Additionally, although NTA has the potential to remain in the environment for a long time, it is not expected to accumulate in organisms; therefore, the Government of Canada has concluded that NTA 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, the Government of Canada proposes that no further action be taken on NTA.
• The final screening assessment report was published on July 31, 2010.

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). NTA is not presently 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 NTA in the workplace should consult with their occupational health and safety representative about safe handling practices, and requirements under the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System.