Approach for a Subset of Petroleum Substances Prioritized during Categorization

As a part of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP), the Government of Canada assesses and manages, where appropriate, the potential health and ecological risks associated with substances prioritized for action under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999).

In December 2017, the Government of Canada published a proposed Approach for a Subset of Petroleum Substances Prioritized during Categorization (approach) for a 60-day public comment period. This approach addresses 83 petroleum substances which were identified as priorities for assessment as they met categorization criteria under subsection 73(1) of CEPA 1999 or were considered a priority based on other human health concerns. Comments received and the Government’s response are summarized in the Summary of public comments received on the Approach for a Subset of Petroleum Substances prioritized during Categorization.

A number of risk assessments for petroleum substances have already been completed under CEPA 1999. This approach outlines how 83 petroleum substances can be considered addressed by some of the previously published assessments. Therefore, it is being proposed that these 83 substances do not undergo further assessment at this time. In addition, proposed or future risk management actions stemming from previous assessments would be expected to also address certain substances in this approach. By addressing these substances this way, the Government of Canada can focus attention on substances that have not been assessed yet.

Additional risk assessment or risk management activities may be undertaken if new information becomes available on these substances as a result of: 1) identification of new hazard or exposure information which may impact previous risk analyses; 2) international activities; or 3) risk management activities including performance evaluation and subsequent changes to risk management.