Polymer rapid screening summary of public comments

Full title: Summary of public comments received on the Draft screening assessment for the second phase of polymer rapid screening

November 9, 2017

Comments on the draft assessment report for the second phase of the Polymer rapid screening to be addressed as part of the Chemicals management plan were provided by KAND EHS Services Inc., Industry Coordinating Group for CEPA (ICG), and Canadian Consumer Specialty Products Association (CCSPA).

Topic

Summarized comment (C)

Summarized response (R)

Methodology

C1. The document describes a reasonable approach for screening substances. There is support for the findings and recommendations in the document.

C.2 The list of substances requiring further assessment can be divided into natural groups, which can be further divided into subgroups. Only distinct groups of substances should be assessed together.

R1. Noted.

R2. The remaining polymers were further organized to subdivide similar substances within subgroups. This helps government to conduct focused assessments and facilitates data gathering or clarification of information if any further stakeholder consultations are needed.

Fate

Indicate where environmental fate and degradation are considered in the ecological portion of the screen.

The environmental fate of polymers was considered at different stages of the rapid screening process through which 334 substances were assessed. In the final screening assessment the fate and degradation of polymers are covered in Section 2.2 Ecological Considerations: steps 2 and 4.

New information and data

C1. Add information to the screening assessment report to indicate why certain substances were identified for further assessment.

C2. If the Government of Canada needs any information that would help in determining environmental fate and degradation please let us know.

R1. The decision to further assess certain substances is discussed in two unpublished documents that are cited in the below references section and available on request.

R2. Engagement with stakeholders will be sought if additional information is needed to inform the assessments.

Consultations and stakeholder engagement

C1. Industry is interested in feedback on whether the information provided for this screening assessment was helpful.

C2. The Government of Canada should continue to consult with industry experts on future data gathering and assessment of substances.

R1. The information submitted helped inform conclusions in the assessment, and specific feedback was provided to industry groups or directly to companies, as appropriate.

R2. Consultation with stakeholders is an essential part of the risk assessment and management process, and the Government of Canada intends to consult extensively with all affected stakeholders when developing risk management measures.

Conclusion

Where additional evaluation of data identifies low concern, revisit proposed evaluation conclusions to identify additional substances to include in Appendix B of the final screening assessment report.

Substances identified for further screening will undergo screening assessment and conclusions will be provided in resulting screening assessment reports.

References

  1. Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2016. Gatineau (QC): ECCC. Information on the decision taken at each step for the second phase of polymer rapid screening.
  2. Health Canada. 2017. Supporting documentation: Final Risk Matrix Location of Polymers. Ottawa (ON): Health Canada. Information in support of the Second Phase of Polymer Rapid Screening – Results of the Screening Assessment.

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