The Canadian government recently announced a Proposed Plan of Priorities that will prioritize the assessment and risk management of certain chemicals over the coming years to protect public health and environmental safety. The Proposed Plan lists 14 specific substances and certain substances within 18 groups that may be prioritized for review.
Substances prioritized for assessment
14 Specific substances
- 1,3,4,6,7,8-Hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethyl-cyclopenta[g]-2-benzopyran (HHCB; CAS RN 1222-05-5)
- Apigenin (CAS RN 520-36-5)
- Dichloromethane (DCM; CAS RN 75-09-2)
- Methylene blue (CAS RN 61-73-4)
- Nanoscale silver (nAg; CAS RN 7440-22-4)
- Nanoscale zinc oxide (nZnO; CAS RN 1314-13-2)
- N,N-Dimethyl-p-toluidine (DMPT; CAS RN 99-97-8)
- Octocrylene (CAS RN 6197-30-4)
- Phosphine oxide, diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)- (PODP; CAS RN 75980-60)
- Quercetin (CAS RN 117-39-5)
- Styrene (CAS RNs 98-83-9 and 100-42-5)
- Tetrachloroethene (PERC; CAS RN 127-18-4)
- Trichloroethylene (TCE; CAS RN 79-01-6)
- Trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA; CAS RN 15625-89-5)
Certain substances within the following groups
- 1,4-Benzenedimamine, N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl- (6PPD)*, its transformation products, and related p-phenylenediamines (PPDs)
- Alkylbenzene sulfonates (ABS) and derivatives
- Alkylphenols
- Bisphenol A structural analogs and functional alternatives (BPA SAFA)
- Coumarins
- Fluoropolymers
- Hydroxybenzophenones
- Nanoscale forms of nickel oxide (nNiO)
- Nanoscale forms of titanium dioxide (nTiO2)
- Oil sands process-affected water naphthenic acids (OSPW NAs)*
- Organic flame retardants (OFRs)
- Pharmaceutical substances
- Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs)
- Salicylates
- Terpenes of concern (TOC)
- Very hazardous substances capable of long-range transport (VH-LRT)
- Vetiver oils
- Xylenes
Priority Considerations
The Canadian government stated that multiple factors will be considered in determining the priority for reviewing chemicals, including the hazardous nature of the chemicals, potential impacts on vulnerable populations, and the likelihood of consumer exposure. Substances that meet multiple criteria and groups of substances with similar effects will be given higher priority.
Chemical Review
As global productivity increases and product supply chains become more complex, the task of reviewing chemicals also becomes increasingly complicated. The government indicated that the assessment will focus on chemicals that have disproportionate or cumulative effects and will consider a broader range of risk factors, such as endocrine disruption and carcinogenic impacts. Additionally, the use of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and non-animal testing data will be a focus of the review.
Public Consultation
The government has sought public feedback on the Proposed Plan, with a deadline of December 4th.
Email submissions can be sent to: substances@ec.gc.ca (please include “Comments on the Proposed Plan of Priorities” in the email subject line)
Contact phone: 1-800-567-1999 (within Canada) or 819-938-3232 (outside of Canada)
