Each of the 25 substances on the second Priority Substances List (PSL2) is being assessed to determine the risks it poses to the environment and human health.

Experts from various fields are invited by Environment Canada to participate actively in the assessment process. They form an Environmental Resource Group, which can include scientific and technical experts from all levels of government, industry, academia, environmental groups, and other interested parties.

An Environmental Risk Assessment for each PSL2 substance is being conducted by Environment Canada. Human health risk assessments for each substance are being carried out by Health Canada. Results from both assessments are used to determine if the substance should be declared "toxic" under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999).

Once a draft report has been prepared, it will be made available for a 60-day public comment period. Following consideration of comments received, the Assessment Report will be revised as appropriate and published with final conclusions as to whether or not the substance is considered to be "toxic" as defined in CEPA 1999.

Return to the Priority Substances Assessment Program home page to view information on the methodology being used and the process being followed to assess each of the 25 PSL2 substances.

The Ministers of Environment and Health have released for final publication the Assessment Report for Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD). The Assessment Report concludes as to whether or not HCBD is "toxic" under Section 64 of CEPA 1999. A summary of this report, as well as the report itself, may be accessed from the PSL2 Assessment Reports Page. A notice concerning the assessment of this substance and a summary of the findings has been published in the Canada Gazette, Part 1.

A draft of the Assessment Report was made available for a 60-day public comment period (July 1, 2000 - August 30, 2000). Following consideration of comments received, the Assessment Report was revised as appropriate. A summary of the comments and their responses may also be accessed from the PSL2 Assessment Reports Page

For additional information on the assessment of HCBD, please contact:

Ken Taylor
Commercial Chemicals Evaluation Branch
Environment Canada
Place Vincent Massey, 14th floor
351 St. Joseph Blvd.Hull, Quebec K1A 0H3
Tel. :(819) 953-3976
Fax:(819) 953-4936
e-mail:ken.taylor@ec.gc.ca

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