Coumarin 1
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About coumarin 1
Coumarin 1 is a chemical that’s used in a variety of products as a:
- dye
- stabilizer
- fragrance ingredient
Products found in Canada that may contain coumarin 1 include:
- cleaning products
- cosmetic products, such as:
- nail polish
- lipstick and lip gloss
- temporary hair dyes
- face and eye makeup
- specialty body makeup, such as body paint
- fabric, textile and leather items
Safety of coumarin 1
Under Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan, we review and manage the potential risks that chemical substances can pose to Canadians and the environment. We have recently completed our final chemical risk assessment for coumarin 1.
Our final assessment confirmed that coumarin 1 may pose a health risk when found in:
- temporary gel hair dye
- specialty body makeup, such as body paint
Exposure to coumarin 1 from these products may cause developmental effects.
Exposure to coumarin 1 from other sources does not pose a risk to your health.
We have also confirmed that coumarin 1 is not harmful to the environment at levels of exposure considered in our assessment.
What we’re doing
To reduce people’s exposure to coumarin 1, we are adding it 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.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
- This will provide information to manufacturers on the restriction or prohibition of the use of coumarin 1 in certain cosmetics.
What you can do
Consumers are reminded to:
- read product labels and follow all safety warnings and directions
- labels on cosmetics must list all ingredients and instructions for use
- follow the manufacturer’s directions to dispose of the product safely
- provide any comments on our risk management approach during the 60-day public comment period
If you are unsure if your product contains coumarin 1, contact the manufacturer.
If you are exposed to coumarin 1 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
Related links
- Measuring your exposure to chemicals
- Canada’s system for addressing chemicals
- Overview of the Chemicals Management Plan