The risks posed by a substance are determined by both its hazardous properties (potential to cause adverse human health or ecological effects) and the amount or extent of exposure to people or the environment.
When needed, the Government implements risk management measures under CEPA 1999 and other federal acts to help prevent or reduce potential harm.
As a result of the screening assessment, the Government concluded that caprolactam is not harmful to human health or to the environment at levels of exposure considered in the assessment.
About this substance
The screening assessment focused on the substance 2H-azepin-2-one, hexahydro-, also referred to as caprolactam under the third phase of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP).
Caprolactam occurs naturally in some plants.
According to information gathered by the Government, this substance is used in Canada in the production of Nylon 6 polymers (used in the manufacture of textiles, carpets, industrial yarns and engineering plastics), as well as in some products available to consumers such as cosmetics, diapers, and 3D printing filaments. Caprolactam is also used as a plasticizer, and as a component in paints and coatings, glue sticks and other adhesives. It may also be used as a component in the manufacture of certain food packaging materials and as a food flavouring agent.
Human and ecological exposures
The screening assessment indicated that Canadians may be exposed to caprolactam from the environment (for example, indoor air and drinking water) and food packaging materials. Exposures may also occur from the use of products available to consumers, such as glue sticks and from Nylon 6 in carpets, lipsticks, diapers, and 3D printing filaments.
According to the information considered under the ERC Approach, caprolactam was identified as having low ecological exposure potential.
The critical effects identified for characterizing the risk to human health for caprolactam were offspring effects (reduced bodyweight), clinical effects (observable effects on the body), as well as effects on the larynx (throat) based on laboratory studies.
According to information considered under the ERC Approach, caprolactam was identified as having a low ecological hazard potential.
Consideration of subpopulations who may be more susceptible or highly exposed
There are groups of individuals within the Canadian population who, due to greater susceptibility or greater exposure, may be more vulnerable to experiencing adverse health effects from exposure to substances.
Certain subpopulations are routinely considered throughout the screening assessment process, such as infants, children, and people of reproductive age. For instance, age-specific exposures are routinely estimated and developmental and reproductive toxicity studies are evaluated for potential adverse health effects. For caprolactam, these subpopulations were taken into account in the risk assessment outcomes.
In addition, the potential for elevated exposure from outdoor air was examined for people living near industrial manufacturing facilities.
Risk assessment outcomes
Based upon a comparison of levels to which Canadians may be exposed to caprolactam and the levels associated with health effects, the risk to human health for this substance is considered to be low.
Based upon the outcome of the ERC Approach, caprolactam is considered unlikely to be causing ecological harm.
Proposed screening assessment conclusions
The Government concluded that caprolactam is not harmful to human health at levels of exposure considered in the assessment.
The Government also concluded that caprolactam is not entering the environment at levels that are harmful.
Related resources
Caprolactam is found in products available to consumers. Canadians should follow any safety warnings and directions related to the product and dispose of products responsibly, according to municipal or local guidelines.
Visit Healthy Home for information on chemical safety in and around the home.
Use the Substances Search tool to find substances that are referenced in certain legislative or regulatory instruments or on Government of Canada websites.
