Information
July 2000
Toxic Substances Research Initiative
What is the Toxic Substances Research Initiative (TSRI)?
The Toxic Substances Research Initiative (TSRI) is a program managed by Health Canada and Environment Canada, which was launched in 1998. The TSRI reinforces the federal government's commitment to enhance the health and environment of Canadians through funding a variety of research projects on toxic substances.
Research funded by the TSRI will help to protect the health and environment of Canadians by enhancing our knowledge of toxic substances and their adverse effects.
The TSRI promotes existing research partnerships and fosters the development of collaborations between non-government and federal government researchers. These new joint projects focus on emerging issues not adequately addressed by existing research.
What Type of Research is Supported by the TSRI?
There are five priority research areas supported by the TSRI, which were established by scientific experts in the private and the public sectors. The research funded by the TSRI includes projects designed to benefit ecosystems and specific populations at risk such as children, Aboriginal people, and the elderly.
The five priority research areas are:
- Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
POPs are chemicals which exist in the environment for long periods of time, can concentrate and accumulate in the food chain, and can travel great distances through the atmosphere.
- Specific Forms of Metals in the Environment (Metals)
Metals are naturally occurring substances which have been linked to adverse effects on human health and wildlife.
- Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)
Endocrine disrupting chemicals are substances which have the ability to alter or disrupt hormone or endocrine systems.
- Urban Air Quality and Exposure to Airborne Pollutants (Urban Air)
Air pollutants have an effect on the quality of urban air. Exposure to airborne pollutants has been linked to a variety of respiratory and cardiac health effects.
- Cumulative Effects of Toxic Substances (Cumulative Effects)
Cumulative effects are the accumulation of multiple and diverse toxic substances found in the environment that affect at-risk populations
How does this Initiative Benefit Canadians?
The knowledge gained through this Initiative will be used to better manage pollutants in Canada and to protect the environment and human health.
As a beneficial byproduct, the extensive collaboration between researchers in the private and public sectors minimizes the duplication of research. It also strengthens Canada's contribution to international programs on toxic substances.
Who Decides which Research Projects Receive Funding?
Each of the TSRI projects undergoes scientific technical peer review. A Science Management Committee, composed of senior scientists and science managers from both government and non-government organizations, oversees the peer review process and finalizes the funding decisions. The Committee is co-chaired by Environment Canada and Health Canada.
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