1-butanol
On this page
About 1-butanol
1-butanol is a chemical that occurs both naturally and in synthetic form. In its synthetic form, it's found in a wide range of products available to consumers including:
- self-care products, such as:
- nail polish
- sunscreen
- hand sanitizers
- moisturizers and creams
- consumer products, such as:
- inks
- paints and lacquers
- automotive care products, such as:
- car wax
- cleaning agents
- prescription and non-prescription drugs
Safety of 1-butanol
Under the Government of Canada's Chemicals Management Plan, we review and manage the potential risks that chemical substances can pose to Canadians and the environment. The first stage of the review process is a draft chemical risk assessment.
Specifically, there's some evidence that exposure to 1-butanol may affect the development of the fetal nervous system.
We are also proposing that:
- 1-butanol is not harmful to the environment
- exposure to 1-butanol from other sources does not pose a risk to your health
What we're doing
Our assessment is not yet final. We are continuing to evaluate the potential risk posed by 1-butanol before we publish our final conclusion. This includes:
- tracking new information on exposures or hazards
- asking the public to comment on our draft assessment
- reviewing and using this information to help shape our final assessment
If the proposed findings for 1-butanol are confirmed in the final assessment, we will consider:
- adding 1-butanol to the List of Toxic Substances
- this allows Canada to implement preventive or control actions for the life cycle of the substance, from the research and development stage through manufacture, use, storage, transport and disposal or recycling
- lowering the concentration of 1-butanol in lacquer products to 1%
What you can do
Consumers are advised to:
- read product labels and follow all safety warnings and directions:
- labels on natural health products and non-prescription drugs must list all ingredients
- instructions on the proper protective equipment to wear and how to minimize inhalation must be listed on certain lacquer products
- contact the manufacturer if it's not clear whether a product contains 1-butanol
- follow the manufacturer's directions to dispose of the product safely
- provide any comments on our draft assessment during the 60-day public comment period
If you're exposed to 1-butanol at work, talk to your employer and occupational health and safety (OHS) official about:
- relevant laws
- safe handling and storage practices
- requirements under OHS legislation and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
For more information
- Self-care products
- Measuring your exposure to chemicals
- Canada's system for addressing chemicals
- Overview of the Chemicals Management Plan