Summary of Public Comments on 2-Ethoxyethanol
No comments were provided on the environmental section of the CEPA PSL Assessment Report on 2-ethoxyethanol.
Comments on the health-related sections of the CEPA PSL Assessment Report on 2-ethoxyethanol were provided by:
- R.E. Smith (Equistar Chemicals)
- L. Hamel (Union Carbide)
None of the comments received related to the conclusions with respect to “toxic” under CEPA 1999 paragraph 64c).
To ensure transparency and defensibility in the timeframe mandated for completion of the assessments under CEPA, early submission of relevant data is encouraged and a cut-off date for their consideration specified. This ensures their appropriate consideration in the context of the complete identified database and full assessment through the several stages of internal and external review. Data submitted following the cut-off date are considered primarily in the context of establishing priorities for updating assessments in the strategic options/risk management phase or subsequently conducting full reassessments.
| Comment | Response |
|---|---|
| It was suggested that a discussion be included on physiologically based pharmacokinetic models that have been developed for 2-ethoxyethanol, and that such models be incorporated into the human health risk assessment. | In the health assessment prepared for 2-ethoxyethanol under CEPA, a screening approach was adopted, because of the extremely limited data upon which to base estimates of population exposure, as well as limited information that the use of the substance may have declined in recent years. Therefore, available physiologically based pharmacokinetic models were considered outside the scope of the objectives of the CEPA screening. |
| It was suggested that information from dermal penetration assays described in the recent Patty6s Industrial Hygiene be included in the assessment. | These studies are described in the Supporting Documentation but are not appropriate for inclusion in the brief assimilated summary included in the Assessment Report. |
| The comment was made that information cited in the assessment report concerning the presence of 2-ethoxyethanol in consumer products was incorrect and outdated, and that there is no current information to support the use of 2-ethoxyethanol in consumer products. | Data on the presence of 2-ethoxyethanol in consumer products have been re-examined, and revisions were made to the assessment report, as considered appropriate. For example, estimates of exposure from several products have been deleted. In addition, the text has been clarified as follows: “Limited available recent data do not indicate that 2-ethoxyethanol is commonly present in consumer products in Canada”. The order of presentation of available data on composition of consumer products has been modified to emphasize the most recent (though limited) data for Canada at the outset. The conclusion of not considered to be "toxic" may be reconsidered upon acquisition of additional information on the use of 2-ethoxyethanol in consumer products in Canada. |