The Government of Canada is committed to protecting Canadians from chemical substances that could affect human health and/or the environment.
The way the Government of Canada manages risks of chemical substances is similar to the way we deal with dangerous substances every day in our homes. Bathroom cleaners, paint thinners and gasoline in the garage are examples of potentially dangerous substances that we use all the time. As long as they are properly used, stored and disposed of, we do not need to worry about harmful effects.
With proper use, storage and disposal, most chemical substances pose minimal risk. However, under certain conditions, exposure can have harmful short- and long-term effects. Protection involves controlling the conditions that may cause harm, such as: use of a chemical substance, the way it is made, and/or the way it is released to the environment. If the Government of Canada is not satisfied that risk has been reduced or prevented, it can prohibit the use of the chemical substance altogether. |
Canada has completed categorization, the review of the 23,000 chemical substances that were already in general commerce before the Canadian Environmental Protection Act originally came into force. Parliament required this review when it amended the Canadian Environmental Protection Act in 1999.
The completion of categorization makes Canada the first country to complete the important task of assembling and reviewing available information about the properties of all commercial chemical substances. This review was a success due to the collaborative efforts of Government of Canada scientists, health and environmental groups and industry.
In December 2006, the Ministers of Health and Environment announced an action plan that demonstrated this Government's firm commitment to protecting the health of Canadians and their environment. This portal is part of the plan. |
