Nickel, bis[2,3-bis(hydroxyimino)-N-(2-methoxyphenyl)butanamidato]- (Nickel BHMB)

CAS Registry Number 42739-61-7

What is it?

  • Nickel, bis[2,3-bis(hydroxyimino)-N-(2-methoxyphenyl)butanamidato]-, also known as Nickel BHMB, is an industrial chemical.

How is it used?

  • Nickel BHMB is currently used in Canada primarily as a nickel alloy component for welding. This substance may have also been used previously as a colorant and in plastics.
  • This substance is not manufactured in Canada or imported into Canada above the reporting threshold.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it?

  • Prior to assessment, Nickel BHMB 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.
  • Nickel BHMB 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 to the environment?

  • The Government of Canada has reviewed information that indicates that Nickel BHMB is potentially only imported or manufactured in small quantities.
  • It is unlikely that Nickel BHMB is entering the environment in significant quantities as a result of commercial manufacture, import or use in this country.

How are Canadians exposed to it?

  • The general population in Canada is not expected to be exposed to Nickel BHMB through environmental media (air, drinking water and soil) and from the use of consumer products.

What are the results of the assessment?

  • The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of Nickel BHMB 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 Nickel BHMB has the potential to remain in the environment for a long time, it is not expected to accumulate in organisms.
  • Furthermore, the quantity of Nickel BHMB 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 Nickel BHMB 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 Nickel BHMB 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?

  • Although the exposure of the general population of Canada to Nickel BHMB is low, the Government of Canada proposes actions so that exposure remains low.
  • The application of the Significant New Activity (SNAc) provisions to this substance will be recommended. This would require that any proposed new manufacture, import or use be subject to further assessment, and would determine if the new activity requires further risk management consideration.
  • The final screening assessment report was published on January 15, 2011.

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). As Nickel BHMB is potentially only imported or manufactured in small quantities, it is not a concern for the environment or human health.
  • As a general precaution, Canadians are reminded to carefully follow any safety warnings and directions when using any product.
  • Canadians who handle Nickel BHMB 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).

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