Ethanamine, N-ethyl-N-hydroxy-, reaction products with hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane, silica and 1,1,1-trimethyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)silanamine (HMSSA)

CAS Registry Number 68583-58-4

What is it?

• Ethanamine, N-ethyl-N-hydroxy-, reaction products with hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane, silica and 1,1,1-trimethyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)silanamine, also known as HMSSA, is an industrial chemical.

How is it used?

• This substance is not manufactured in Canada or imported into Canada above the reporting threshold.

Why is the Government of Canada assessing it?

• Prior to assessment, HMSSA 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.
• In addition, HMSSA was believed to be potentially in commerce in Canada prior to assessment.

How is it released to the environment?

• The Government of Canada has reviewed information that indicates that HMSSA is not in commerce in Canada.
• As a result, it is unlikely that HMSSA is entering the environment as a result of commercial manufacture, import or use in this country.

What are the results of the assessment?

• The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of HMSSA 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 HMSSA has the potential to remain in the environment for a long time, accumulate in organisms and cause harm to organisms, but that the substance is not presently a concern because it is not in commerce.
• The Government of Canada has therefore concluded that HMSSA is not entering the environment in a quantity or under conditions that constitute a danger to the environment.
• Because HMSSA is not currently in commerce in Canada, it is not harmful to the health of the general population at current levels of exposure.

What is the Government of Canada doing?

• The application of the Significant New Activity (SNAc) provisions to this substance will 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 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). Since HMSSA is not in commerce, it is not a concern for the environment or human health.
• As a general precaution, Canadians are reminded when using any product, to carefully follow any safety warnings and directions.