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Fifty-three substances with High Hazard Potential on the Domestic Substances List

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In 2006 and 2009, surveys were issued under section 71 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) to update the Domestic Substances List (DSL). For fifty-three of these substances (15 substances covered in a survey released on March 4, 2006 and 38 substances covered in a survey released on October 3, 2009) the surveys revealed no reports of industrial activities (import or manufacture) above the reporting threshold.  These substances are therefore deemed to be "not in commerce". Additional entry characterization was conducted to identify direct exposure potential to the general population in Canada.  No information was found on current uses or releases of these substances in Canada.

These fifty-three substances have undergone a screening assessment and it is proposed that they do not to meet any of the criteria of section 64 of CEPA 1999 because the likelihood of exposure to these substances in Canada resulting from commercial activity is low and hence the potential risks to human health or the environment are considered to be low. However, because of their hazardous properties, a Notice of intent to amend the DSL was published to indicate that the Significant New Activity (SNAc) provisions will be used so that any new activity in relation to these substances will give rise to a risk assessment.

A summary of the screening assessment report (public comment period from July 2, 2011 to August 31, 2011) and information on how to submit comments are available:

• Canada Gazette, Part I: Vol. 145, No. 27 - July 2, 2011 ( PDF Version - 2280 K)

The full text of the screening assessment report is available:

• Screening Assessment for 53 Substances with High Hazard Potential on the Domestic Substances List

You may also obtain copies of the draft screening assessment report on the fifty-three substances not in commerce by contacting substances@ec.gc.ca

Notice of Intent to amend the DSL (public comment period from July 2, 2011 to August 31, 2011):

• Canada Gazette Part I: Vol. 145 No. 27 - July 2, 2011 ( PDF Version - 2280 K)