On 27 January 2024, the Government of Canada published a draft risk management of the evaluation for 55 aluminium-containing substances under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). The Government of Canada is now seeking for a 60-day public comments ending on March 27, 2024.

These 55 aluminium-containing substances group are used in a variety of products and applications including arts, crafts and hobby materials; automotive care products; building and construction materials; cleaning products; food packaging; ink, toner and colourants; self-care products (cosmetics; natural health products and non-prescription drugs); paints and coatings; pest control products; plastics; textiles; and other industrial and commercial uses.

Draft Assessment Conclusion

According to CEPA Article 64 (c), aluminium chlorohydrate (CAS No. 1327-41-9) and hydroxyaluminium chloride (CAS No. 12042-91-0) are potentially toxic and may harm human health. Although these substances meet the criteria for environmental persistence, they have not yet met the criteria for bioaccumulation.

The remaining 53 substances containing aluminium are considered to pose a lower risk to human health. 

Based on the above assessment conclusions, Canada proposes to add aluminium chlorohydrate and hydroxyaluminium chloride to Part 2 of Appendix 1 to CEPA. This proposal aims to reduce the potential threat to the environment and public health by formulating specific risk management measures for these substances under CEPA. Specifically, this proposal seeks to limit the proportion of these two substances contained in aerosol cosmetics, particularly antiperspirant and foot deodorant sprays.

Timelines