The Department of the Environment, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, has announced a significant regulatory change concerning a specific chemical substance. This change follows a detailed reassessment of the substance's environmental and health impacts.
In a recent development, the Minister of the Environment has officially rescinded a longstanding condition on the manufacture and import of ethane, 1,2-dichloro-, polymer with ammonia, N-substituted reaction products with sodium hydroxide. This substance, identified by the Confidential Substance Identity Number 13774-4, was initially subjected to regulatory conditions in May 1997, as published in the Canada Gazette.
The original conditions, stipulated under subsection 29(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 16 (4th Supp.), were later modified in October 2001. However, after thorough evaluation and consideration of additional information regarding the substance, the Ministry, in conjunction with the Minister of Health, determined that the substance no longer poses a suspected toxicity risk as defined under section 64 of the Act.
This decision to lift the restrictions marks a noteworthy shift in the regulatory status of this chemical, indicating that it is not considered toxic or capable of becoming toxic. It underscores the government's commitment to continually reassessing and updating environmental regulations based on current scientific understanding and health risk assessments.
Marc D'Iorio, Assistant Deputy Minister of the Science and Technology Branch, made the announcement on behalf of the Minister of the Environment, highlighting the Ministry's dedication to protecting the environment and public health while also considering the latest scientific evidence and data.
This regulatory update will potentially impact manufacturers and importers of the substance, aligning Canadian chemical management with contemporary scientific findings and risk assessments.
For further details and implications of this regulatory change, stakeholders and interested parties are encouraged to refer to the latest publications in the Canada Gazette and consult the Department of the Environment for comprehensive guidance.
