Summary of Public Comments Received on the Government of Canada’s Draft Screening Assessment Report and the Risk Management Scope Document on 2-methoxypropanol (CAS No. 1589-47-5)
Formal comments made during the 60-day public comment period that took place from August 23, 2008 to October 22, 2008 on the draft screening assessment report and risk management scope document on 2-methoxypropanol, a substance included in Batch 3 of substances to be addressed as part of the Chemicals Management Plan Challenge were provided by Dow Chemical Canada Inc., Learning Disabilities Association of Canada, Chemical Sensitivities Manitoba and the Canadian Environmental Law Association.
A summary of comments and responses is included below, organized by topic:
- Risk Assessment
- Risk Management
| Topic | Comment | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Management | 2-methoxypropanol was assessed using unrealistic assumptions and overly conservative scenarios. | The assessment is based on available information using the current state of the science. Scenarios are conservative, but believed to be reasonable. |
| The scenarios used to develop estimates of exposure in the draft screening assessment could not be validated. In addition, it was noted that the toxicity study that was most relevant in the assessment could not be checked either. Given these factors, the Government of Canada was urged to rerun the models with “more accurate” inputs. | The information on personal care products was obtained from a database maintained by Health Canada. For all cosmetic products sold in Canada industry must submit information on their formulations to Health Canada. The information is specific to Canada, may be confidential and is often not available elsewhere. As well, some of the other product specific information was obtained from a survey conducted under section 71 of CEPA 1999. Confidentiality may have been requested for this Canadian specific information. While some other study data (e.g., the BASF research), were not published, these studies were, however peer reviewed. | |
| Risk Management | 2-methoxypropanol should be managed only where a possible risk was found such as nail polish or nail polish remover. | Cosmetics, including nail polish and nail polish remover, will be targeted for risk management. Other consumer products may also be considered for risk management. |
| 2-methoxypropanol should be phased out in all consumer and industrial products. Alternatives to 2-methoxypropanol should be carefully evaluated. Vulnerable populations in particular should be considered as part of risk management. | Sources of exposure to 2-methoxypropanol that present a human health concern will be considered for risk management. The Government of Canada considers vulnerable populations, such as children and pregnant women, in both risk assessment and risk management where information is available. Evaluation of alternatives is always considered as an important component of risk management. |
Page details
- Date modified: