Information for Industry: Acetonitrile

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Cosmetics Program
Consumer Product Safety Bureau
Product Safety Program
Health Canada

June 2007

Attention: Interested Stakeholders

Subject: Acetonitrile in Nail Salons

Health Canada reminds manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers that the sale of cosmetic products which contain acetonitrile is prohibited in Canada. It has come to Health Canada's attention that products containing acetonitrile are being used in nail salons to remove artificial nails, and in other cosmetic nail preparations.

Under section 16 of the Food and Drugs Act, no person shall sell cosmetics containing substances that may cause injury to the health of the user. Acetonitrile is not an acceptable cosmetic ingredient since it is known to be toxic by dermal and respiratory routes of exposure. Exposure to acetonitrile is considered a significant health risk since acetonitrile converts to cyanide in the blood, and at elevated levels can result in acute poisoning.

The Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist lists acetonitrile as a prohibited ingredient for cosmetic products. As such, cosmetic products containing acetonitrile are not to be used or sold in Canada. Sale of products containing acetonitrile will result in enforcement action.

If you suspect that acetonitrile is present in a product or is being used in a nail salon, contact your nearest Product Safety Office. A list of Product Safety Offices is provided below and can be found at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/home-accueil/contact/hecs-dgsesc/pso-bsp-eng.php.

Vancouver, BC 604-666-5003
Bby_Prodsafe@hc-sc.gc.ca

Calgary, Alberta 403-292-4677
Cal_Prodsafe@hc-sc.gc.ca

Edmonton, Alberta 780-495-2626
Edm_Prodsafe@hc-sc.gc.ca

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan 306-975-4502
Sk_Prodsafe@hc-sc.gc.ca

Winnipeg, Manitoba 204-983-5490
Mb_Prodsafe@hc-sc.gc.ca

Hamilton, Ontario 905-572-2845
Tor_Prodsafe@hc-sc.gc.ca

Toronto, Ontario 416-973-4705
Tor_Prodsafe@hc-sc.gc.ca

Montreal, Quebec 514-283-5488
Quebec_Prod@hc-sc.gc.ca

Longueuil, Quebec 450-646-1353
Quebec_Prod@hc-sc.gc.ca

Québec, Quebec 418-648-4327
Quebec_Prod@hc-sc.gc.ca

Moncton, New Brunswick 506-851-6638
Atlantic_Prodsafe@hc-sc.gc.ca

Halifax, Nova Scotia 902-426-8300
Atlantic_Prodsafe@hc-sc.gc.ca

St. John's, Newfoundland 709-772-4050
Atlantic_Prodsafe@hc-sc.gc.ca

Luisa Carter-Phillips
Head, Cosmetic Division
Consumer Product Safety Bureau