Pyridine, alkyl derivs. (Pyridine, alkyl derivatives)

CAS Registry Number 68391-11-7

What is it?

• Pyridine, alkyl derivatives is an industrial chemical.

How is it used?

• The major use of pyridine, alkyl derivatives is as a corrosion inhibitor of oil and gas wells and pipelines in Canada.
• Minor uses of pyridine, alkyl derivatives include as a corrosion inhibitor in industrial cleaning and de-scaling products for closed water heat transfer systems, and as a formulant (non-active ingredient) in an agricultural herbicide.
• Pyridine, alkyl derivatives is also an incidental additive in cleaning products for food contact surfaces.
• Pyridine, alkyl derivatives is not manufactured in Canada, but it is imported into Canada.

Why is the Government of Canada assessing it?

• Prior to the assessment, pyridine, alkyl derivatives was identified as a potential concern to 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 high potential for exposure (not including workplace exposures) to the general population of Canada.
• Pyridine, alkyl derivatives was not considered to be a high priority for assessment of potential risks to the environment; however, potential environmental effects were also evaluated in this screening assessment.

How are Canadians exposed to it?

• The general population of Canada is not expected to be exposed to pyridine, alkyl derivatives via environmental media or consumer products.

How is it released to the environment?

• Pyridine, alkyl derivatives may be released to the environment as a result of cleaning/washing of tanker trucks and periodic pipeline leaks under normal operating conditions.

What are the results of the assessment?

• The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of pyridine, alkyl derivatives, called a screening assessment.
• Screening assessments address potential for harm to the general population (not including workplace exposures) and the environment.
• Based on the conclusion of the final screening assessment, pyridine, alkyl derivatives is not expected to accumulate in or cause harm to organisms, and the quantities of pyridine, alkyl derivatives that may be released to the environment are below the levels expected to cause harm to organisms; therefore, the Government of Canada has concluded that pyridine, alkyl derivatives 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 pyridine, alkyl derivatives is not harmful to the health of the general population at current levels of exposure.

What is the Government of Canada doing?

• Due to the high volume use, the Government of Canada proposes to investigate the benefit of adding pyridine, alkyl derivatives to the Environmental Emergency Regulations, so that emergency prevention, preparedness, response and recovery requirements are put in place.
• Based on the conclusion of the final screening assessment, the Government of Canada proposes that no additional action be taken on pyridine, alkyl derivatives.
• The final screening assessment report was published on June 29, 2013.

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). Pyridine, alkyl derivatives 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 any safety warnings and directions.
• Canadians who handle pyridine, alkyl derivatives 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).