Phosphoric acid tributyl ester (Tributyl phosphate) (TBP)
CAS Registry Number 126-73-8
What is it?
- Phosphoric acid tributyl ester, also known as tributyl phosphate or TBP, is an industrial chemical.
How is it used?
- TBP is used mainly in industrial settings in aviation hydraulic fluids as a flame retardant, as an extraction solvent for rare earth metals from ores, in the manufacture of uranium trioxide, as a defoaming agent, as a plasticizer and in hydraulic fluid and coatings. It is also found in some paints and brake fluids.
- TBP is not manufactured in Canada, but is imported into Canada.
Why did the Government of Canada assess it?
- Prior to the assessment, TBP was identified as a potential concern to human health based on its classification by international organizations as a substance which was found to cause cancer in laboratory animals, and based on a moderate potential for exposure to Canadians.
How are Canadians exposed to it?
- TBP may be found in indoor air and drinking water in Canada.
- Canadians may be exposed to TBP during use of certain consumer products containing TBP such as paints and brake fluid.
- Exposure of the general population in Canada to TBP is expected to be low.
What are the results of the assessment?
- The Government of Canada has conducted a science-based evaluation of TBP, called a screening assessment.
- The Government of Canada has concluded that TBP is not harmful to human health 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 TBP.
- The final screening assessment report was published on August 22, 2009.
What could Canadians do?
- Because Canadians' exposure to TBP is expected to be low, the Government of Canada is not currently recommending specific actions by Canadians to reduce their exposure.
- As a general precaution, Canadians are reminded to carefully follow safety warnings and directions when using products containing TBP.