Science and Research Serving Canadians -
Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch

Foreword from the Assistant Deputy Minister

I am pleased to present the first Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch (HECSB) report on science.Science and Research Serving Canadians provides an opportunity to share some of our successes, to highlight the importance of our scientific work to the health and safety of Canadians, and to demonstrate that we are committed to the tradition of excellence in science.

Health Canada's mission is to help Canadians maintain and improve their health. At HECSB, we strive to do this by promoting healthy and safe living, working and recreational environments and by reducing the harm caused by tobacco, alcohol, controlled substances, environmental contaminants, and unsafe consumer and industrial products. To fulfill its mission, HECSB undertakes scientific research, conducts health surveillance, provides foresight in safe use of emerging and merging technologies, identifies risks to human health, and assesses and manages those risks.

With evolving technologies and changing environments, it is important to be prepared for future challenges. To respond effectively to emerging health and safety concerns, HECSB must remain at the forefront of scientific developments. Past scientific achievements at HECSB have been marked by the removal of unsafe products from market (such as baby walkers), key research that helps us to understand the effects of environmental contaminants (such as smog) on children, and the establishment of new standards in the analysis of controlled substances.

This report is the result of a collaborative effort between HECSB programme areas, regions, and policy and planning staff at all levels of the Branch and reflects activities until 2005-2006. It has been developed to ensure that we have the right expertise, tools and resources to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Susan Fletcher
Assistant Deputy Minister
Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety
Health Canada

Introduction

Overview

The mandate of the Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch (HECSB) is to promote healthy and safe environments for living, working and recreation and to reduce the harm caused by tobacco, alcohol, controlled substances, environmental contaminants and unsafe products. The Branch relies on science as one tool to execute this mandate.

Scientists and researchers in HECSB work at the leading edge of their fields to make sure that decisions affecting the health of Canadians are made with the best science available. Their work ensures a strong evidence base that supports policies, programs, regulations and legislation. Our science is critical to our ability to identify emerging health issues, capitalize on opportunities, and minimize the risks to Canadians posed by consumer products and our environments.

The ways in which science is performed are evolving. Increasingly, complex issues require innovative management and scientific solutions. As existing sciences and technologies converge, new fields have emerged in areas such as biotechnology, nano-technology, genomics and proteomics. We need to understand the impact of these highly novel fields and to find ways to benefit from them. Responding to these changes requires integration with other federal and provincial departments and agencies, academia, industry and international organizations to draw upon multidisciplinary expertise and resources. In so doing, we will more effectively identify, address and resolve a wide range of issues that affect health.

The purpose of this document is to provide a comprehensive overview of the science carried out in the Branch to improve understanding of the nature, calibre and reasons science is performed and used in HECSB. In addition to providing a description of science programmes within the Branch, this report demonstrates how HECSB programmes are working to address current and emerging health priorities. Similarly, each of HECSB's programmes, outlines the strategic scientific directions and plans core science requirements for the coming years and the manner in which this science will be used to fulfill programme needs and commitments that benefit Canadians. The report allows programme leaders to articulate how they intend to pursue continuous improvement, demonstrate leadership, and ensure that the appropriate resources and tools are in place to identify risks and respond to issues in a timely manner.¹

All science performed, used and funded by HECSB is driven by the principles of effective science. The principles, as established by Health Canada'sFramework for Science, are consistent with the advice of the Federal Council of Science and Technology Advisors (CSTA):

• Alignment - perform, harness and use science that is aligned with the department's mandate, priorities and programs;
  
  
• Excellence - plan, conduct and evaluate science on the basis of high quality of knowledge, ethics, relevance, openness and transparency;
  
  
• Innovation - use creative, innovative, leading-edge approaches to science and its use in policy development and decision making;
  
  
• Stewardship - respect the ethical and appropriate treatment of humans, animals and the environment, the protection of personal information and the need for effective risk management throughout the conduct and use of science; and
  
  
• Linkages - plan and conduct science in collaboration with other government departments and with other organizations to focus in-house efforts where they are most needed to fulfill Health Canada's mandate and to capitalize on the best available science.

HECSB's activities are divided into five programme areas. Each of these programme areas focuses on a different aspect of health affected by the environment and/or consumer products:

• The Safe Environments Programme (SEP) promotes healthy living, working and recreational environments by identifying and assessing health risks to Canadians posed by environmental factors.
  
  
• The Product Safety Programme (PSP) assesses and helps manage the health and safety hazards associated with consumer products, cosmetics, workplace chemicals, environmental noise and solar UV radiation.
  
  
• The Drug Strategy and Controlled Substances Programme (DSCSP) manages theControlled Drugs and Substances Act and its Regulations and plays the lead federal role in coordinating and implementing Canada's Drug Strategy.
  
  
• The Tobacco Control Programme (TCP) regulates tobacco and develops and implements initiatives to reduce or prevent the harm associated with tobacco use.
  
  
• The Workplace Health and Public Safety Programme (WHPSP) enhances productivity and quality of life by contributing to the health and safety of federal and other Canadian workers, visiting dignitaries and the traveling public in Canada.
  

This report addresses some common issues at both the Branch and programme levels, such as pursuing partnerships, strengthening our capacity in key areas and quality management. Along the way, this report will draw attention to many of the current scientific activities, innovative collaborations and remarkable individuals that represent scientific excellence within the Branch.

Alignment

Health Canada has identified four medium-term strategic priorities:

• maintaining confidence in the publicly funded health care system;
  
  
• improving the quality of life of Canadians;
  
  
• reducing the risks to the health of Canadians; and
  
  
• improving accountability for results.

HECSB's two broad priorities are:

• reducing risks to health and safety, and improving protection against harm associated with workplace and environmental hazards, consumer products (including cosmetics), radiation-emitting devices, new chemical substances and products of biotechnology; and
  
  
• reducing health and safety risks associated with tobacco consumption and the use of alcohol, drugs and other controlled substances.

Scientific evidence shows that environmental degradation, climate change and the introduction of new substances and technologies all have an impact on health. HECSB is increasingly looking at the linkages between health and the environment. Some of the activities HECSB intends to undertake include:

• addressing the health risks associated with air pollutants in indoor and outdoor environments -with an emphasis on vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly and people with lung and heart conditions;
  
  
• finalizing a prioritized list of substances (based on potential risks to human health) that will require subsequent screening assessment as part of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA);
  
  
• working toward the legislative and regulatory changes necessary to implement the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals to enhance protection of human health and the environment;
  
  
• completing the Climate Change and Health Vulnerability Assessment that will contribute to the Government of Canada's commitment to action on climate change and its international obligations to report on impacts and adaptation efforts;
  
  
• providing public health inspections on air, rail and marine conveyances related to food, water and general sanitation to protect the millions of people who travel in Canada every year, and Canadians who come into contact with travelers; and
  
  
• supporting research related to the impacts of the workplace on human health to develop a better understanding of indirectly and directly associated human health risks such as substance abuse, anxiety, depression, infections, conflicts and injuries.

HECSB also undertakes a wide range of activities related to tobacco consumption, alcohol and controlled substances. Some of our objectives include:

• developing a national framework for action on substance abuse; and
  
  
• enhancing Canadian research in the area of alcohol and drug abuse through the coordination of the development of a National Research Agenda on Substance Abuse.

Governance

At all levels and in all programmes, management, scientists and policy makers are committed to ensuring excellence in science. The HECSB Science Advisory Committee, which is comprised of representatives of each HECSB programme, advises the Assistant Deputy Minister and the HECSB Executive Committee on science issues, policies, capacity and other activities and initiatives. The Office of Science Policy (OSP) plays a central role in coordinating and developing branch science policies and strategies to ensure a robust science capacity and culture, and excellence and innovation in support of evidence-based policy and programs. OSP also liaises with other organizations both within Health Canada and interdepartmentally on horizontal science-based issues.

Good advice from scientists helps us make good decisions. Scientists contribute to decision making by collecting and analyzing credible and high-quality information related to health risks and identifying possible ways of dealing with those risks. Open communication between senior management, policy makers and scientists helps maintain the integrity of the science advice through the decision-making process. This practice extends across networks within the federal government science and technology (S&T) community. HECSB is integrating the principles and guidelines of the Government of Canada'sA Framework for Science and Technology Advice in our actions to ensure that decisions are informed by the best available science advice.

HECSB also relies on external, expert advisory boards to provide science advice. Health Canada's Science Advisory Board provides independent advice to the Minister of Health on the ways the Department can best meet its mandate through the use of science, including social sciences. The board makes recommendations on Health Canada's priorities and advises on the relevance and effectiveness of its science. In addition, individual programmes also rely on their own expert advisory boards that consider specific issues within their respective mandates.

Types and Roles of Science in HECSB

The breadth of HECSB's mandate requires the Branch to count on the work of scientists in a range of fields, including the natural sciences, life sciences and social sciences. These scientists work in areas of research and development and related scientific activities (RSA). Anticipatory, applied and novel research provide the evidence of emerging health issues and form the basis for actions that protect the health and safety of Canadians. The knowledge and evidence that are derived from research contribute to the design and implementation of policies, programs, regulations, and legislation as well as to decision making.

As a result of our role as a regulator, the largest proportion of science performed by HECSB is RSA, which complements and extends research by contributing to the generation, dissemination and application of scientific and technological knowledge. Within HECSB, some of the most prevalent types of RSA performed include the assessment of products and processes for the purpose of regulation - surveillance, testing and collection of information is central to fulfilling this mission. Much of this work directly supports risk assessment, management and communication in each of the programme areas.

Excellence

HECSB defines excellence based on the quality of the science performed and used, its relevance to the roles and priorities of the Branch and the Department, and transparency and openness. Excellence is also closely related to addressing ethical considerations and supporting the federal government's stewardship roles.

To ensure that our science meets the highest standards, we work to provide the necessary conditions for excellence to flourish. In particular, we focus on maintaining high-quality science by submitting our science, our programs and our facilities to external expert review.

External review

External review (including peer review) is used to evaluate the scientific merit and quality of publications, funding proposals, and even scientific programs and facilities. HECSB scientists regularly submit their work for review and intend to implement a systematic and programmatic peer review, particularly for laboratory activities, as a way to scrutinize RSA.

Laboratory quality management systems

Ensuring that HECSB laboratories and facilities foster and maintain high-quality standards is key to scientific excellence. Since HECSB performs many different scientific activities ranging from research to testing, it employs a range of quality management systems. Good laboratory practices, peer reviews and internationally recognized quality systems involving external reviews and certification, such as those developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), help to ensure the quality of our science and the safety of products and processes we assess.

In March 2003, an external Expert Advisory Panel assessed the progress of each branch within Health Canada in implementing appropriate laboratory quality systems and accreditation. The findings evolved into three general themes for Health Canada's approach to quality:

• strong support by senior-level management for laboratory accreditation;
  
  
• alignment of laboratory registration, accreditation and/or recognition with the needs and expectations of the clients, the mandate and the product/service produced; and
  
  
• staff training to implement quality management systems.

In April 2005, HECSB completed a comprehensive review addressing the Branch priority of quality systems for laboratories. In general, the review found that branch laboratories participated in a wide range of activities and were faring well in their approach to quality systems. Specific recommendations stated that (a) certain laboratories need to make a decision regarding quality management systems; (b) branch laboratories focused on research should implement a systemic and ongoing approach to quality management; and (c) branch external laboratories require quality standards approved for internal laboratories. The Branch is working toward implementing these recommendations.

A strong science culture

Every day, scientists and researchers at HECSB apply skill, creativity and enthusiasm to their work. The result is that HECSB is home to dedicated scientists, many of whom are nationally and internationally recognized for being at the leading edge of their fields.

Many HECSB scientists hold positions on scientific advisory boards, professional associations and scientific societies. The Branch supports building linkages with other scientific institutions, particularly in areas of common interest. In 2004, 25 scientists held cross appointments with universities across Canada.

Recognition is also given internally to outstanding scientists for their contribution to knowledge in the sciences relevant to the protection and promotion of health. Among other public service awards, eight HECSB scientists have been the recipients of the Health Canada Excellence in Science Awards since 1998.

Bibliometrics

Publications are an important way of sharing and evaluating new ideas and advancing science. Whether research findings appear in peer-reviewed journals, books or whether they are presented at conferences, they attest to their authors' productivity, knowledge of science in their fields, and the excellence of their work. HECSB scientists have produced an exceptional and large body of knowledge. HECSB will work with the Office of the Chief Scientist and other branches in Health Canada to ensure that the knowledge these scientists have generated and records of their achievements are retained and easily accessible to other scientists and decision makers within Health Canada.

Innovation

While innovation for commercialization is not the Branch's central goal, we are constantly looking for new, creative and novel ways in which science can help us identify and decrease health risks or support healthy living. For example:

• The Product Safety Laboratory designed and developed new crib and cradle impact and vibration testing equipment that was not previously available. The laboratory received commendations from the Standards Council of Canada for its work.
  
  
• The Tobacco Control Programme created national and regional evidence-based tools to assist Canadians in their efforts to quit smoking and used both traditional and non-traditional networks for dissemination.
  
  
• The Safe Environments Programme developed and validated genomic and proteomic tools and cell system methods to conduct risk screens of environmental contaminants (including chemicals and biotechnology substances).
  
  
• The Drug Strategy and Controlled Substances Programme led an international initiative to develop methodologies for estimating avoidable costs of substance abuse. Although methodologies to address cost estimation have been used since the end of the 1990s, no scientific consensus has existed on how to estimate avoidable costs. An international working group of experts was tasked with the identification of the best scientific avenues for addressing the issue. The International Guidelines for the Estimation of Avoidable Costs of Substance Abuse were completed in December 2005. Canada is preparing a national study to estimate avoidable costs related to alcohol use and abuse.

The pursuit of scientific discovery and technological advances are drivers of Canada's productivity and prosperity. Science at HECSB serves a vital role in sparking innovation in other sectors in ways that benefit the health of Canadians:

• The Forensic Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectra Library database contains intellectual property developed by the Drug Analysis Service of the Drug Strategy and Controlled Substances Programme, licensed by Health Canada and marketed worldwide. The database allows for quick identification of drugs, including analysis of illicit substances, for law enforcement and educational purposes.

Canadians rely on HECSB to assess and regulate product safety and efficacy using the best available science, and inform them of known and potential health risks. In doing so, HECSB enhances the climate for investment and trust in Canadian markets and manufacturers and reduces the administrative burden on business.

• The Product Safety Laboratory is committed to technology transfer to private industry by making laboratory test methods available on Health Canada's Web site. Technical assistance is also available to private laboratories or organizations interested in setting up commercial testing services.

To effectively assess the risks and benefits to Canadians and develop appropriate regulations, HECSB scientists need to be on the cutting edge of their fields. In particular, the natural and life science fields of biotechnology, nanotechnology, genomics and proteomics are expanding rapidly.

• The Mutagenesis Section of the Safe Environments Programme is collaborating with the Tobacco Control Programme on a research project to identify genomic markers of toxicity for tobacco smoke. This will generate supporting data to develop methods to assess the effects of tobacco products modifications.
  
  
• The Mutagenesis Section is also collaborating with the Product Safety Programme (Biotechnology Section) to develop and validate genomic and immunoproteomic tools and cell system methods to conduct risk screens of biotechnology-related micro-organisms.

Stewardship

HECSB is committed to upholding the highest standards of research ethics. Any research performed or funded by HECSB that involves human subjects must be reviewed by Health Canada's Research Ethics Board (REB) to ensure the greatest protection is provided to participants. HECSB recognizes the ongoing importance of ethics review and works closely with the REB to provide training and tools for researchers on the review process and to further systemize the procedure for submitting applications for review. Similarly, HECSB is committed to maintaining high standards of care in science activities involving animals. All projects adhere to the Canada Council on Animal Care guidelines.

Similarly, HECSB is committed to helping create healthy social and physical environments, integrating sustainable development into departmental decision making and management processes, and minimizing the environmental and health effects of its physical operations and activities. Many health problems are exacerbated by conditions in the natural and built environments, including the quantity and quality of water, air quality, global environmental threats to health such as climate change, and exposure to toxins in certain foods. Science can increase our understanding of these issues and is particularly important given the inherent variability and uncertainty of many natural phenomena that the Branch addresses. Research can provide the baseline data and knowledge to better understand and address sustainable development issues and make predictions about changes in the future.

Linkages: Working Together

As public policy issues grow increasingly complex, the federal government's capacity to develop coordinated and integrated responses to priority issues becomes ever more urgent. The increasing complexity and costs of performing science and the frequent need to bring multidisciplinary approaches and expertise to bear on these issues mean that joint identification of Science and Technology (S&T) priorities, the sharing of information, resources and expertise - and where appropriate - integrated program management are essential.

Integrating our science with other federal departments and agencies

Within the federal government, several science-based departments and agencies, including Health Canada, work together on national priorities. HECSB works closely with these other federal departments and agencies, as well as through the Assistant Deputy Minister Science and Technology Integration Board, as an active participant in a variety of initiatives. For example:

• Water
  
  Health Canada and Environment Canada are leading the development of a federal Freshwater Research Agenda. This research agenda will provide a sound basis for future investments in science. It will also support the objectives of the Health and Environment Agenda and the Competitiveness and Environmental Sustainability Framework.
  
  
• Climate Change
  
  Climate and climate variability pose numerous challenges to individuals and communities in Canada. These include the increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, changing air quality, water and food-borne contamination, and changing patterns of disease. HECSB will work with its collaborators to move forward with effective adaptation measures, and where necessary, to minimize health impacts.
  
  
• Northern Science
  
  Northern science is a horizontal issue with unique political, geographical, environmental, cultural and economic opportunities and challenges. Along with other Health Canada branches, HECSB will participate in scientific activities that support initiatives such as International Polar Year (2007-08) and the Federal Northern Strategy.
  
  
• Public Security
  
  The Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN) Research and Technology Initiative - also known as CRTI - represents the federal science community's response and commitment to providing science solutions related to potential chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats to public security. HECSB is an active participant in this initiative.
  
  
• Substance Use and Abuse
  
  Under the renewed Canada's Drug Strategy, the Drug Strategy and Controlled Substances Programme is coordinating research initiatives and activities with key federal partners and agencies. The collaborators include the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, Justice Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, the Canadian Border Services Agency, and several other federal departments and agencies. Provincial, territorial and municipal governments' and other stakeholders' ongoing support and collaboration are also essential to success. This coordination provides for synergy and better integration of resources.

Domestic Collaborations

Within Canada, HECSB works with provincial and territorial governments, academic institutions, industry, the voluntary sector and health organizations. Each programme has a network of linkages with organizations to address specific issues related to their mandates and activities. In many areas, HECSB works directly with its partners to perform or fund science, which is then used by other organizations to inform activities, policies and outreach programs intended to improve the health of Canadians.

Here are a few examples from the hundreds of scientific collaborations where HECSB is a participant or leader:

• HECSB supports Health Canada's role in nuclear and chemical threat assessment by providing technical and scientific advice to the Solicitor General for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC) in accordance with the National Counter Terrorism Plan through the Special Threat Assessment Group.
  
  
• The Radiation Protection Bureau in the Safe Environments Programme works with national standards bodies to develop standards for measuring and monitoring human radiation exposure. Their objective is to improve measurement accuracy of radioactivity and ensure that radiation protection programs are effective in protecting occupationally exposed workers.
  
  
• The Tobacco Control Programme pilots various training projects with regional and provincial professional associations, provides support for a national network of quit lines and carries out national and regional cessation projects with various partners.
  
  
• The Mutagenesis Section in the Safe Environments Programme participates in various research and training projects with other branches, departments and universities, providing support for national and international networks in toxicogenomics and bioproduct regulation.
  
  
• The Drug Strategy and Controlled Substances Programme funds regional and national initiatives aimed at reducing substance use and assisting those at risk from the effects of drugs. Best Practice documents have been developed to support professional education, training and practice that involves evaluations with various partners in collaboration with provinces, territories, experts and user groups.

International Collaborations

Electronic and professional networks that span the globe allow scientists and researchers to share information and strengthens our capacity and technical expertise. It also gives us an opportunity to share our knowledge with other countries to jointly achieve common policy and scientific goals.

HECSB works with international organizations and foreign governments to address common health risks and to support Canada's international obligations and commitments. Some examples include:

• The Drug Analysis Service in the Drug Strategy and Controlled Substances Programme works with an international standing committee, the Scientific Working Group for Forensic Drug Analysis, to make recommendations to the forensic community on minimum analysis standards.
  
  
• The Water Quality Bureau in the Safe Environments Programme is involved at the international level with the World Health Organization and the Pan-American Health Organization to develop and implement guidelines for drinking water.
  
  
• The Policy and Planning Directorate of HECSB supports the Minister of Health's participation in the Health and Environment Ministers of the Americas. Through this forum, Canada works with other countries on three common priority areas for hemispheric action: integrated management of waters resource and solid waste; sound management of chemicals; and integrated environment and health assessment including indicators for child health.

^1. The structure of the programme plans is based on HECS' main activity areas, as defined in the Branch's Programme Activity Architecture.