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Canada Makes Progress Eliminating
Toxic Chlorinated Substances
September 13, 2000
Canada is making significant progress in eliminating toxic
chlorinated substances from the workplace and the environment,
according to a new report released today by Environment Canada and
Health Canada. The third Progress Report on the Chlorinated
Substances Action Plan (CSAP) demonstrates that existing and new
regulatory and non-legislative measures are helping reduce releases
and uses of toxic chlorinated substances, as listed under the new
Canadian Environmental Protection Act. The report covers the
period between 1995 to December 1999.
The CSAP Progress Report shows that the initiatives under the
Plan are important contributions to the reduction of chlorinated
substances declared toxic under the new Canadian Environmental
Protection Act.
Under the CSAP, the most harmful chlorinated substances are
targeted for virtual elimination or significant reduction from the
environment. Precaution in the use of other chlorinated substances
should be exercised throughout their life-cycle.
Report Highlights:
- Regulations that are now being developed under the new
Canadian Environmental Protection Act will lead to
significant reductions in releases of trichloroethylene (used
primarily as a solvent cleaning agent for degreasing operations),
tetrachloroethylene (commonly called "perc" is used
primarily in dry cleaning) and dichloromethane (used in various
solvent cleaning operations including the manufacture of
pharmaceutical products, the manufacture of plastics and
polyurethane flexible foam), which have been declared toxic under
the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.
- Significant reductions in the use and release of some chlorinated
substances are also being achieved through non-legislative
initiatives with industries including automotive and auto parts
manufacturing, printing and graphics and dry cleaning.
- Numerous studies are being conducted with collaboration from
universities, industry and government to monitor and assess the
impacts of chlorine and chlorinated substances on wildlife and
ecosystems.
- Health studies are being conducted to identify high-risk
populations and to develop effective measures for health protection
and risk reduction.
The Government of Canada is committed to the responsible
management of chlorinated substances. In addition to managing these
substances at home, Canada is also leading international efforts to
reduce the global use and release of persistent, bioaccumulative
toxic chlorinated substances.
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