Toxic substances list: nonylphenol and its ethoxylates
Nonylphenol and its ethoxylates (NP and NPEs) have been used for more than 40 years as detergents, emulsifiers, wetting agents and dispersing agents. From data obtained by Environment Canada, an estimated 18,000 tonnes of NP and NPEs were used in Canada in 1998. This quantity has dropped significantly since Environment Canada's risk management measures were put into place.
The main sectors of use are soap, detergents and degreasing agents (for institutional, industrial and household use); textile processing; pulp and paper processing; and pest control products.
There is more than one CAS (Chemical Abstract Service) registry number for this substance group.
Risk Assessment
- Priority Substances List Assessment Report
- Order Adding Toxic Substances to Schedule 1 to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
- CEPA 1999 Schedule 1 - List of Toxic Substances - This substance has been added to the List of Toxic Substances. It is entering or may enter the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that:
a) have or may have an immediate or long-term harmful effect on the environment or its biological diversity. - Full life cycle management of the substance (Track 2) under the Toxic Substances Management Policy
Sources
This substance is entering the environment from the following sources:
Risk Management Strategy
Click on the following link to view strategies and actions recommended to manage risks associated with the substance:
Risk Management Tools
Tools developed to manage risks associated with the substance:
Risk Management Evaluation
Evaluation of Canada's efforts to manage risks to the environment caused by NP and NPEs:
Contact
Products Division
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3
Telephone: 819-938-4483 or 1-888-391-3426
E-mail: Produits-Products@ec.gc.ca