Chemical Substances
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Chemicals Management Plan - Challenge Advisory Panel
Summary Report
March 28, 2008
Panel members present: Dr. T. Boadway (Chair), Dr. J. Bend, Dr. C. Brunk, Dr. S. Findlay, Mr. G. Granville, Ms. L. Lusby, Dr. S. Maguire, Dr. G. Muckle, Dr. D. Scott
Regrets: Dr. N. Cherry, Dr. J. Eyles, Dr. P. Orris
Outline:
The Challenge Advisory Panel teleconference meeting agenda was structured around two key questions (see below) provided to the Panel for deliberation, open discussion and debate. Government staff members were present to make brief presentations, answer questions and clarify information. The questions presented concerned procedures and policies applied in the screening assessment determinations. At the end of the discussions, Panel members were asked to craft a response to each of the questions.
In the text below, the Government question is quoted from the documents provided to the Panel.
Meeting Summary:
Welcome and Introductory Comments
The Chair welcomed all members and government staff. A roll call was performed to identify Panel members and government staff on the teleconference and in the meeting room.
Panel Discussion
Question 1 for the Panel regarding risk to human health
The human health portion of the Bisphenol A draft screening assessment report outlines Health Canada's (HC) proposed approach for characterization of risk to the general population from exposure to bisphenol A, including HC's approach for application of weight of evidence and precaution in drawing its conclusions based on that risk.
Does the Panel agree with the approach to application of weight of evidence and precaution?
Panel Response to Question 1:
"The Panel agrees that the weight of evidence and the application of precaution supports the conclusion reached by Health Canada.
All but one member agreed."
Question 2 for the Panel regarding ecological risk
With respect to the ecological component of the screening assessment, bisphenol A was found not to meet CEPA 1999 criteria for bioaccumulation; however, the substance is acutely toxic to aquatic organisms. Bisphenol A has been measured in a range of environmental media (e.g., surface waters, sediment, groundwater, wastewater, sludge and biota) suggesting either high or continuous inputs into the environment and/or some level of environmental stability and accumulation. Bisphenol A is present in media to which there is no direct release, such as sediment and groundwater, which also implies the substance remains sufficiently long in the environment to move from its point of release into other environmental media. There is evidence that bisphenol A is capable of altering hormonal, developmental or reproductive function following prolonged exposure at low levels, or following brief low-level exposures, particularly at sensitive developmental stages, with effects apparent later in the life cycle or in later generations. Studies conducted using fish, aquatic invertebrates and amphibians demonstrate such effects at levels within the range of those measured in Canadian and U.S. wastewaters, receiving waters and sediments. Based on all of these considerations, bisphenol A is proposed to meet the definition of toxic under CEPA s.64a.
Does the Panel agree with the approach to application of weight of evidence and precaution?
Panel Response to Question 2:
"The Panel agrees that the weight of evidence and the application of precaution supports the conclusion reached by Environment Canada.
All but one member agreed."
