Chemicals Management in Canada
Collection of materials related to application of Canadian Environmental Protection Act requirements to new and existing substances in commerce.
The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) is the cornerstone of Canada's regulatory system for controlling exposure to toxic substances. CEPA requires that all substances used in Canada be assessed for environmental and human health impacts. Substances are addressed as either "existing" or "new" according to lists drawn up since the 1980s. The Domestic Substances List (DSL), created between 1984 and 1986, includes 23,000 substances known to be in use in Canada. CEPA established a deadline of September, 2006 at which point the list was categorized according to criteria concerning toxicity and potential for human exposure. For "new" substances, not previously listed on the DSL, a different set of requirements prevail under CEPA.With categorization complete, the federal government launched the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) in December of 2006.
This collection includes correspondence, reports, and media releases related to CMP implemention as well as the process of DSL categorization and implementation of the New Substances Regulations under CEPA.