Canada Intends to Publish Nanoscale Prioritization Results in 2018

According to the July 7, 2017, issue of the Chemicals Management Plan Progress Report, Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada are in the process of prioritizing nanoscale forms of substances on the Domestic Substances List.  As reported in our July 27, 2015, blog item, Canada conducted a mandatory information-gathering survey under Section 71 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.  Canada states that the survey identified 53 substances as being manufactured and/or imported at the nanoscale in Canada.  Canada expects to publish the results of prioritization in spring 2018.  According to the item, Canada is working towards developing a scientific risk assessment framework for nanomaterials, and continues to work with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development to promote consistency with other jurisdictions.  The goal of Canada’s initiative is to identify the potential risks to human health and the environment that may be posed by nanomaterials in commerce in Canada.