Canadian Government Expands Research on Bisphenol A, Flame Retardants
The Oct. 3 announcement of an update to the Chemicals Management Plan also included a commitment to complete assessments on 500 substances, including phthalates.
Canadian government officials announced Oct. 3 they are begining an update of the country's Chemicals Management Plan, promising to complete assessments on 500 substances, including phthalates, and expand research on Bisphenol A and flame retardants.
"As a mom, I want to know that every product I give to my family and use in my house is safe," said Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq. "We know our consumer protection policies are already at work for Canadians. In fact, a science-based study concluded BPA was harmful to human health and the environment, so it was banned from baby bottles."
"Today's announcement is both an investment in the health of the Canadian economy and our environment," said Environment Minister Peter Kent. "Canadians want to have confidence in the products they use everyday, and reassurance that they are not harmful to the environment.
The Chemicals Management Plan was launched in 2006. The next phase of the plan will focus on further improving product safety in Canada; completing assessments of 500 substances across nine categories, including phthalates; and the additional research for substances such as Bisphenol A, flame retardants, substances that affect hormone function, and substances that affect the environment
They said about 1,000 additional substances will be addressed in the next five years through other initiatives, including rapid screening of substances that pose little or no risk.