Canada Moves Into Next Phase of Chemical Management Plan

Canada has issued a news release indicating that it will move into the next phase of its ongoing Chemical Management Plan.  This is an extension of the plan first launched in 2006.   The CMP was designed to apply the rigorous assessment used for new chemicals to 'legacy chemicals' that were introduced in Canada between January 1, 1984, and December 31, 1986.  The new phase is seen "as a continuation of Canada's world-leading initiatives in this area and it will ensure the protection of Canadians' health and safety, and their environment," according to Shannon Coombs, President, Canadian Consumer Specialty Products Association, who promised to "continue to work proactively with the government as the plan is implemented."

According to the announcement, new funding is being provided for this next phase of the Plan, "which will focus on:"

• Further improving product safety in Canada;
• Completing assessments of 500 substances across nine categories including phthalates, primarily used in plastics; and,
• Investing in additional research for substances like Bisphenol A, flame retardants, substances that affect hormone function and substances that affect the environment.

Canada anticipates that "approximately 1,000 additional substances will also be addressed in the next five years through other initiatives, including rapid screening of substances which pose little or no risk." Canada recently banned four chemicals as harmful to the environment.

More information on Canada's Chemical Management Plan can be found here.

Canada's Chemical Substance main page is here.