Batch 5 Substances

News Release - The Government of Canada Completes Assessments for an Additional 19 Substances Included in the Chemicals Management Plan

Backgrounder

Two of the 19 substances assessed in Batch 5 are harmful to human health. Therefore, the Ministers of Health and Environment are recommending that 2-Propenamide (Acrylamide) and Ethanol, 2-chloro-, phosphate (3:1) (Tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate) (TCEP) be added to Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, (CEPA) 1999.

The majority of acrylamide is used in the manufacture of various polymers, which in turn are used as binding, thickening, or flocculating agents in grout, cement, sewage/waste water treatment, pesticide formulations, cosmetics, sugar manufacturing and soil erosion prevention, ore processing, food packaging, plastic products and in molecular biology laboratory applications.

The primary source of exposure to Canadians is from food sources; however, the level is low. Acrylamide is not found naturally in foods but is generated in certain foods from the reaction of natural ingredients when they are cooked at high temperatures, such as when making French fries or potato chips. Acrylamide has also been found in breakfast cereals, pastries and cookies, breads, rolls and toast, cocoa products, coffee and coffee substitutes. Levels in these foods, however, are typically lower than those found in potato chips and French fries. Canadians are also exposed to acrylamide from its presence in cigarette smoke.

Health Canada is implementing a three-pronged risk management approach to reduce Canadians' exposure to acrylamide from food sources which includes pressing the food industry to develop and implement acrylamide reduction strategies for use by food processors and the food service industry; regularly updating consumption advice; and coordinating risk management efforts for acrylamide in food with key international food regulatory partners.

The Government is also proposing to add acrylamide to the Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredients Hotlist. The Hotlist is linked to the Food and Drugs Act's prohibition of substances in cosmetics that may cause injury.

The Government is also proposing to add acrylamide to the Environmental Emergencies Regulations of CEPA 1999, due to its high-volume use. These regulations require those who own or manage a certain hazardous substance at or above the specified threshold to provide required information on the substance, its quantity, and to prepare and implement environmental emergency plans.

The predominant sources of exposure to TCEP occur from indoor air and dust, which is secondary to releases of TCEP from products and materials used in the home and which may include polyurethane foam (PUF) in furniture; electronic products (e.g., televisions and computers); adhesives; non-apparel textiles; upholstery; the back-coating of carpets; rubber and plastics; and paints and varnishes.

The Government of Canada is recommending a prohibition relating to the presence of TCEP in products and materials. Additional engagement with stakeholders, including the 60 day comment period, will help determine the extent of the prohibition required to most effectively minimize exposure to Canadians. If accepted, Canada will be the first country in the world to introduce a prohibition on TCEP.

Current information indicates that the remaining 17 substances are not of concern to human health or the environment. One of these substances (Disperse Orange 5) is no longer in use in Canada, and the other (Chloroacetamide) has only pesticidal uses that will be discontinued later this year. The Government of Canada is proposing to implement a Significant New Activity control (SNAc) for Disperse Orange 5 and for non-pesticidal use of Chloroacetamide. This provision will require that the Government be notified of any new use of these substances and that human health and environmental assessments be completed before the substances can be used.

The Government's conclusions in the screening assessment reports are final. The Government will also release proposed risk management approaches at the same time. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide comments on the Government's recommended risk management activities until October 21, 2009. The information provided by stakeholders during the public comment period will help to determine the best approach to managing these substances.

Under the Chemicals Management Plan, legacy chemicals that have not previously undergone rigorous scientific assessment in Canada are being addressed. The Government is challenging industry and other stakeholders (academics and non-governmental organizations) to provide information on approximately 200 high-priority substances and how they are currently used in Canada. This is known as the Challenge.

Beginning in February 2007, and about every three months, profiles of 12 to 20 of these chemical substances are released. Four months (or up to six, with written request) are given for stakeholders to respond, after which time, government scientists review all the information provided. The draft screening assessment reports and risk management scopes are the first stage in reviewing the information provided. From this information, possible adverse effects on the environment and human health are determined, and substances that may require risk management are identified.

A 60-day public comment period is provided in the legislation following publication of the draft assessment. Any new information provided is considered and incorporated into the final assessment, which is published four months after the close of the public comment period. Management of the concerns identified in the assessment is implemented as outlined in CEPA, 1999.