DTPMP - information sheet

Phosphonic acid, [[(phosphonomethyl)imino]bis[2,1- ethanediylnitrilobis(methylene)]]tetrakis-
CAS Registry Number 15827-60-8

Overview

The Government of Canada conducted a science-based screening assessment, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), to address the potential for harm to Canadians and to the environment from DTPMP.
Under CEPA 1999, the risk posed by a substance is determined by considering both its hazardous properties (its potential to cause adverse human health or ecological effects) and the amount of exposure there is to people and the environment.
The ecological hazard and exposure potentials of DTPMP were classified using the Ecological Risk Classification of Organic Substances (ERC) Approach.
As a result of the screening assessment, the Government concluded that DTPMP is not harmful to human health or to the environment at levels of exposure considered in the assessment.

The screening assessment summarized here focused on the substance phosphonic acid, [[(phosphonomethyl)imino]bis[2,1-ethanediylnitrilobis(methylene)]] tetrakis-, also referred to as DTPMP. It was assessed under the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP).
DTPMP does not occur naturally in the environment and is human-made.
According to information gathered by the Government, in Canada, DTPMP is used in commercial applications, including water treatment (non-potable), laundry and dishwashing, paints and coatings, oil and gas extraction, construction and building materials, paper products, ink, toner and colourants, photographic supplies, and in a variety of care products (for example, fabric, cleaning and furnishing care, personal care).
DTPMP is also found in products available to consumers, including permanent hair dye products, and as a non-medicinal ingredient in lubricating eye drops.

Canadians may be exposed to DTPMP from the use of products available to consumers, such as permanent hair dye products and lubricating eye drops.
Exposure of Canadians to DTPMP from industrial releases into the environment (for example, water) is expected to be minimal.
According to information considered under the ERC Approach, DTPMP was identified as having a moderate ecological exposure potential due to its overall persistence and a moderate reported use volume.

DTPMP has been reviewed by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Cooperative Chemicals Assessment Programme. The Screening Information Data Set (SIDS) and SIDS Initial Assessment Report (SIAR) are available. This review was used to inform the health effects characterization in this screening assessment. The important or "critical" effect for the characterization of risk to human health for DTPMP was disruption of the body's ability to keep stable levels of iron and calcium.
According to information considered under the Ecological Risk Classification of organic substances approach, DTPMP was identified as having a low ecological hazard potential.

Based upon a comparison of levels to which Canadians may be exposed to DTPMP, and the levels associated with health effects, the risk to human health for this substance is considered to be low.
Also, based on the outcome of the ERC Approach, DTPMP is considered unlikely to be causing ecological harm.
The Government of Canada published the Final Screening Assessment for DTPMP on April 3, 2021.

The Government concluded that DTPMP is not harmful to human health at levels of exposure considered in the assessment, and is not entering the environment at levels that are harmful to the environment.

DTPMP may be found in products available to consumers. Canadians should follow any safety warnings and directions related to the product and dispose of products responsibly.
Visit Do it for a Healthy Home for more information on chemical safety in and around the home.
The screening assessment focused on potential risks from exposure of the general population of Canada, rather than occupational exposure. Hazards related to chemicals used in the workplace are defined within the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). For information concerning workplace health and safety and what steps to take in the workplace, Canadians should consult their employer and/or the Occupational Health and Safety Regulator in their jurisdiction.