Management of toxic substances: solvent red 23

The substance 2-Naphthalenol, 1-[[4-(phenylazo)phenyl]azo], (CAS RN 85-86-9), referred to throughout this document as “Solvent Red 23,” was included in Batch 6 of the Challenge. The substance is mainly used in cosmetics; other sectors involved to a relatively minor degree include pest control products, drugs, and natural health products.

The final screening assessment report (FSAR) was published on September 10, 2011 and concluded that Solvent Red 23 is entering or may enter the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health. Thus, Solvent Red 23 meets criteria defined in paragraph 64(c) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999).

The proposed risk management objective for Solvent Red 23 was to reduce human exposure to sources of greatest concern, i.e., cosmetics, personal care products and drugs containing Solvent Red 23.

Update on Risk Management Activities

As indicated in the proposed Risk Management Approach document (September 2011), Solvent Red 23 will be proposed for addition to Health Canada’s List of Prohibited and Restricted Cosmetic Ingredients (Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist) in order to address the exposure of concern. The proposed application of Significant New Activity (SNAc) provisions under CEPA 1999 for Solvent Red 23 is not being pursued at this time.

Note also that as Solvent Red 23 is an azo dye, it is considered to be part of the azo solvent dyes subgroup of the Aromatic Azo and Benzidine-based Substances Grouping, which is undergoing assessment as part of the Substance Groupings Initiative under the second phase of the Chemicals Management Plan.

For more information on this substance, please visit the Chemical Substances website.

Risk Assessment

• Final Screening Assessment Report (SAR) for Solvent Red 23 (September 2011)
• Order proposing the addition of Solvent Red 23 to Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 was published in the Canada Gazette Part I on October, 15 2011.

Risk Management Approach

• Proposed Risk Management Approach for Solvent Red 23 (September 2011)

Consultations

Current public consultations:

• Proposed addition of Solvent Red 23 to Health Canada’s Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist - consultation October 2013 (60 days)

Contact

Substances Management Information Line
Chemicals Management Plan
Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3

Telephone: 1-800-567-1999  (in Canada) or 819-938-3232
Fax: 819-938-3231
E-mail: eccc.substances.eccc@canada.ca

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