Methanesulfonamide, N-[2-[(2,6-dicyano-4-methylphenyl)azo]-5-(dipropylamino)phenyl]- (DADM)

CAS Registry Number 72968-82-2

What is it?

• Methanesulfonamide, N-[2-[(2,6-dicyano-4-methylphenyl)azo]-5-(dipropylamino)phenyl], also known as DADM, is an industrial chemical.

How is it used?

• DADM may have been used in the past as a colorant for inks, inkjet and printing inks.
• DADM is not manufactured in Canada or imported into Canada.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it?

• Prior to assessment, DADM 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, DADM 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 recent information that indicates that DADM is not currently in commerce in Canada.
• As a result, it is unlikely that DADM 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 DADM called a screening assessment. Because this substance is not in commerce, the highest potential quantity that may be used in Canada without a reporting requirement was used for this screening assessment.
• Results of the draft assessment indicate that although DADM may remain in the environment for a long time, the substance is not expected to accumulate in organisms.
• Furthermore, the quantity of DADM 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 DADM is not entering the environment in a quantity or under conditions that constitute a danger to the environment.
• Because DADM is not currently in commerce in Canada, it 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?

• The Government of Canada is proposing to implement a Significant New Activity (SNAc) provision for DADM. This would require that any new manufacture, import, or use of this substance be subject to further assessment before this new activity is allowed.
• The final screening assessment report was published on March 6, 2010.

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 DADM is not in commerce, it is not a concern for the environment or human health. However, Canadians are reminded when using any product to carefully follow any safety warnings and directions.