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Release of a draft State of the Science report on decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE), a member of the polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) family of substances, and revised Risk Management Strategy for PBDEs
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Release of draft State of the Science report
(Public comment period March 28, 2009 to May 27, 2009)
On March 28, 2009, the results of a draft State of the Science report on decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE) were published in Canada Gazette, Part I, for a 60-day public comment period. The draft State of the Science report, which consists of an updated analysis of bioaccumulation and environmental transformation of decaBDE, was conducted in order to determine whether additional risk management controls need to be developed for decaBDE.
A summary of the draft State of the Science report on decaBDE is available at:
Canada Gazette, Part I: Publication of Results of Investigations and Recommendations for the Substance -Decabromodiphenyl Ether - Specified on the Domestic Substances List (Paragraphs 68(b) and (c) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999) ( PDF)
The draft State of the Science report concludes that:
- decaBDE may contribute to the formation of bioaccumulative, and/or potentially bioaccumulative transformation products such as lower brominated BDEs in organisms and in the environment; and
- decaBDE is available for uptake in organisms and may accumulate to high and potentially problematic levels in certain species.
The full text of the draft State of the Science report is available at:
- Draft State of the Science Report on the Bioaccumulation and Transformation of Decabromodiphenyl Ether ( PDF)
You may also obtain copies of the draft State of the Science report on decaBDE by contacting existing.substances.existantes@ec.gc.ca.
There is a 60-day public comment period on the draft State of the Science report, from March 28, 2009 to May 27, 2009). Information on how to submit comments is provided in the Canada Gazette notice.
Revised Risk Management Strategy for PBDEs
(Public comment period March 28, 2009 to May 27, 2009)
Following the release of the Screening Assessment Report in 2006, a Risk Management Strategy was published in December 2006 which consisted of the following main elements:
- The final Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers Regulations (PBDE Regulations), published in Canada Gazette, Part II, on July 9, 2008 (and came into force on June 19, 2008). The PBDE Regulations prohibit the manufacture of all seven PBDEs assessed under CEPA (tetraBDE, pentaBDE, hexaBDE, heptaBDE, octaBDE, nonaBDE and decaBDE); and prohibits the use, sale, and import of raw materials (commercial mixtures, resins, polymers) containing PBDEs meeting the criteria for virtual elimination (tetraBDE, pentaBDE, hexaBDE) under CEPA 1999. Canada Gazette, Part II: Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers Regulations ( PDF)
- A proposed Performance Agreement with industry, which aims to manage and reduce releases of DecaBDE from its use in plastic and textile manufacturing facilities, can be obtained at the following website address: http://www.ec.gc.ca/epa-epe/decabde/consult_03_2009/EN/index.cfm
- Development of a regulation to control PBDEs (tetraBDE, pentaBDE, hexaBDE, heptaBDE, and octaBDE ) in domestic and imported manufactured products.
- Development of a management strategy for PBDE-containing products at end-of-life.
- Monitoring Canadians' exposure to PBDEs and concentrations in the environment.
The current (December 2006) version of the Risk Management Strategy for PBDEs can be obtained at the following website address: http://www.ec.gc.ca/TOXICS/EN/detail.cfm?par_substanceID=201&par_actn=s1
Based on the draft conclusions in the State of Science report on decaBDE, a revised Risk Management Strategy for PBDEs is being proposed which incorporates controls on decaBDE in domestic and imported manufactured products.
There is a 60-day public comment period on the revised Strategy, from March 28, 2009 to May 27, 2009. The revised Strategy as well as information on how to submit comments can also be obtained at the following website address: http://www.ec.gc.ca/Toxics/docs/substances/PBDE/rrms/en/intro.cfm
Notice of Objection
A Notice of Objection was filed by four environmental non-profit organizations requesting the establishment of a Board of Review under subsection 332(2) and section 333 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.
Significant new information on bioaccumulation and environmental transformation decaBDE, which has became available since the publication of the screening assessment report, has subsequently been analyzed, and the results released in a draft State of the Science report. The decision to establish a Board of Review will be taken following the finalization of this draft State of the Science report.
Background
Screening Assessment
Ecological and Health Screening Assessments were conducted in 2006 to determine whether PBDEs met the criteria set out in paragraph 64 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999).
- Ecological Screening Assessment Report on PBDEs (2006) ( PDF)
- State of the Science Report for a Screening Health Assessment - PBDEs (2004) ( PDF)
The final decision on PBDEs was published by the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health on July 1, 2006 in the Canada Gazette, Part I. PBDEs have been identified as meeting the criteria under paragraph 64(a) of CEPA 1999.
