Proposed Risk Management Strategy for Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)
The final ecological and human health screening assessment reports for seven polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were published in Part I of the Canada Gazette on July 1, 2006. The final ecological screening assessment report concludes that seven PBDEs (tetraBDE, pentaBDE, hexaBDE, heptaBDE, octaBDE, nonaBDE and decaBDE) are entering into the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that have or may have an immediate or long term harmful effect on the environment or its biological diversity. It also concludes that three PBDEs (tetraBDE, pentaBDE and hexaBDE) meet the criteria for persistence and bioaccumulation according to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) Persistence and Bioaccumulation Regulations. As a result, it is proposed that all seven PBDEs be added to the list of Toxic Substances under Schedule I of CEPA 1999 and it is recommended that tetraBDE, pentaBDE and hexaBDE be targeted for virtual elimination.
The Ministers of the Environment and Health must propose CEPA 1999 control instruments respecting preventive or control action to manage these substances no later than July 1, 2008. Furthermore, the proposed instruments must be implemented within 18 months thereafter.
The proposed Risk Management Strategy for PBDEs has been developed to provide the framework for the development of the CEPA 1999 control instruments that are required to manage the environmental effects of these substances. It contains a brief description of the issue, background, current uses, known exposure sources, control measures in other jurisdictions and Canada's proposed risk management approach for PBDEs. The proposed Risk Management Strategy for PBDEs is now available for consultation. To view the proposed Risk Management Strategy, please click on one of the formats below:
Environment Canada invites all interested and affected parties to provide their comments on the proposed Risk Management Strategy which will contribute to the development of control instruments under CEPA 1999. Based on the demand, a multi-stakeholder consultation session may also be scheduled. Environment Canada will review all written comments on the proposed Risk Management Strategy and any input received during consultation sessions that may be held and will take them into full account prior to developing control instruments under CEPA 1999.
Please send your written comments on the Risk Management Strategy by October 30, 2006 to either of the following addresses:
Mail: Director
Chemicals Sector Division
Environment Canada
351 St. Joseph Blvd., 12th Floor
Gatineau QC K1A 0H3
Email: TCS-SCT@ec.gc.ca
Please type "Consultation on PBDE Risk Management Strategy" in the subject line of your Email message.
If you have any questions on the Risk Management Strategy, please contact:
Maya Berci
Chemicals Sector Division
Pollution Prevention Directorate
351 St. Joseph Boulevard, 12th Floor
Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3
E-mail: TCS-SCT@ec.gc.ca
France Jacovella
Director Chemicals Sector Division
Environment Canada
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