Eight new chemicals have been deemed toxic to human health, and one deemed toxic to the environment under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Environment Minister John Baird and Tony Clement, Health Minister, announced the actions taken pursuant to Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan announced in 2006. These nine chemicals were part of a batch of 15 chemicals, which were identified last year as high priorities and underwent a full risk assessment. 'Toxic' substances in Batch 1 include:

CHPD (Yellow Dye)   - 'toxic' to the environment; currently used as a dye in plastics dye and possibly used as a dye for paints

1,2-benzenediol and 1,4-benzenediol - 'toxic' to human health - generated as a by-product of kraft pulp production photographic developing solutions (1,2-benzenediol) and manicure preparations, hair dyes and skin lightening cream (1,4-benzenediol)

Methyl- and ethyloxirane  - 'toxic' to human health - used in production of chemicals found in paint strippers, aerosol paints and as a starch modifying agent (methyloxirane) and as a stabilizer in industrial solvents (ethyloxirane)

Toluene diisocyanates (TDIs) - (3 substances)   - 'toxic' to human health   - found in flexible and semi-flexible polyurethane foam

Naphthalene - 'toxic' to human health

As part of the assessment, information was collected and assessed to determine whether these substances pose a risk to Canadians’ health or the environment and if any further action may be needed to minimize possible risks. The Government required industry and other stakeholders to provide information on specific substances.

Information on this batch of chemicals will be posted in the July 5, 2008 edition of Canada Gazette, Part I, including the data which determined the toxicity of these nine chemicals, and is also available on the Chemical’s Management Web site.

Under the Chemicals Management Plan, the Government has announced a total of six batches of chemicals for assessment. The remaining five batches are still being assessed.