Benzoic acid, 2,3,4,5-tetrachloro-6-(2,4,5,7-tetrabromo-6-hydroxy-3-oxo-3H-xanthen-9-yl)- (Solvent Red 48)

CAS Registry Number 2134-15-8

What is it?

• Benzoic acid, 2,3,4,5-tetrachloro-6-(2,4,5,7-tetrabromo-6-hydroxy-3-oxo-3H-xanthen-9-yl)-, also known as Solvent Red 48, is an industrial chemical.

How is it used?

• Solvent Red 48 is used as a colorant in drugs, cosmetics, personal care products and soaps.
• This substance is not manufactured in Canada but may be imported into Canada at levels below the reporting threshold.

Why did the Government of Canada assess it?

• Prior to assessment, Solvent Red 48 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.
• Solvent Red 48 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 are Canadians exposed to it?

• The general population of Canada may be exposed to low levels of Solvent Red 48 from use of certain personal care products containing this substance.

How is it released to the environment?

• The Government of Canada has reviewed information that indicates that Solvent Red 48 may potentially be imported in small quantities. However, it is unlikely that Solvent Red 48 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 Solvent Red 48 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 Solvent Red 48 has the potential to remain in the environment for a long time, it is not expected to accumulate in organisms.
• Furthermore, the quantity of Solvent Red 48 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 Solvent Red 48 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 Solvent Red 48 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?

• Based on the conclusion of the final screening assessment, no further action will be taken on Solvent Red 48.
• The final screening assessment report was published on September 18, 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). As Solvent Red 48 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 when using any product to carefully follow any safety warnings and directions.
• Canadians who handle Solvent Red 48 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.