Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 157, Number 2: GOVERNMENT NOTICES
January 14, 2023
DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999
Publication of final decision after screening assessment of a substance — 2-imidazolidinethione (ethylene thiourea [ETU]), CAS RN footnote 1 96-45-7 — specified on the Domestic Substances List (subsection 77(6) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999)
Whereas ETU is a substance identified under subsection 73(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999;
Whereas a summary of the screening assessment conducted on ETU pursuant to section 74 of the Act is annexed hereby;
And whereas it is concluded that the substance does not meet any of the criteria set out in section 64 of the Act,
Notice therefore is hereby given that the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health propose to take no further action on this substance at this time under section 77 of the Act.
Steven Guilbeault
Minister of the Environment
Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Health
ANNEX
Summary of the screening assessment of ethylene thiourea
Pursuant to section 74 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health have conducted a screening assessment of 2-imidazolidinethione, hereinafter referred to as ethylene thiourea (ETU). The Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number (CAS RN) for ETU is 96-45-7. ETU was included in the draft screening assessment for the Heterocycles Group published on November 11, 2017. However, ETU was excluded from the final Heterocycles Group assessment to better align with the re-evaluation of certain pesticides.
In 2008, less than 100 kg of ETU was manufactured in Canada, and between 10 000 kg and 100 000 kg were imported into Canada according to information submitted pursuant to a CEPA section 71 notice. Non-confidential uses for ETU reported in the survey were as a vulcanization agent, process regulator and plasticizer in plastic and rubber materials, in formed automotive parts, in vehicle imports and as a process regulator in fabric, textile and leather articles. ETU was also reported as an impurity in pest control products. ETU is a degradation product, a metabolite and a residual in ethylene bis-dithiocarbamate (EBDC) fungicides.
The ecological risk associated with ETU was characterized using the ecological risk classification of organic substances (ERC) approach. The ERC is a risk-based approach that employs multiple metrics for both hazard and exposure with weighted consideration of multiple lines of evidence for determining risk classification. Hazard profiles are established primarily on the basis of mode of toxic action, chemical reactivity, food web–derived internal toxicity thresholds, bioavailability, and chemical and biological activity. Metrics considered in the exposure profile include potential emission rate, overall persistence, and long-range transport potential. A risk matrix is used to assign a low, moderate or high level of potential concern for substances on the basis of their hazard and exposure profiles. Based on the outcome of the ERC analysis, ETU is considered unlikely to be causing ecological harm.
Considering all available lines of evidence presented in this screening assessment, there is a low risk of harm to the environment from ETU. It is concluded that ETU does not meet the criteria under paragraph 64(a) or (b) of CEPA as it is not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that have or may have an immediate or long-term harmful effect on the environment or its biological diversity or that constitute or may constitute a danger to the environment on which life depends.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified ETU as a probable human carcinogen (Group B2). Under Europe’s harmonised classification and labelling system, ETU is classified as a substance that may damage the unborn child (Repr. 1B: H360D). Laboratory studies showed that ETU had thyroid effects and was carcinogenic. Exposure of the general population to ETU can occur from the diet, including drinking water, as a result of crop treatment with ethylene bis-dithiocarbamate fungicides that break down to ETU. These sources of exposure to ETU have been addressed under the Pest Control Products Act as part of Health Canada’s re-evaluation of ethylene bis-dithiocarbamate fungicides.
The general population may also be exposed by the dermal route to residual ETU through migration from rubber products. The risk to human health from this route was assessed by comparing estimates of exposure to ETU from rubber products with the levels associated with health effects in animal studies, including for carcinogenicity. For both non-cancer and cancer effects, the risk to human health is considered to be low.
Considering all the information presented in this screening assessment, it is concluded that ETU does not meet the criteria under paragraph 64(c) of CEPA as it is not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health.
Overall conclusion
It is concluded that ETU does not meet any of the criteria set out in section 64 of CEPA.
Consideration for follow-up
While exposure of the general population or the environment to ETU is not of concern at current levels, this substance is associated with effects of concern. Therefore, there may be concern if exposure levels were to increase. Follow-up activities may involve including the substance in future information-gathering initiatives.
The screening assessment for this substance is available on the Canada.ca (Chemical substances) website.
DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
NEW SUBSTANCES NOTIFICATION REGULATIONS (CHEMICALS AND POLYMERS)
Notice of intent on promoting reduced reliance on animal testing in the New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers)
Purpose of notice
This notice is to inform Canadians that the Government of Canada intends to consider possible amendments to the New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers) [NSNR (Chemicals and Polymers) or the Regulations] to promote the reduced reliance on animal testing and the alignment of regulatory requirements with advancements in science.
Planned actions
While animal testing provides important information for a number of regulatory programs — including Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada programs administering the NSNR (Chemicals and Polymers) — that aim to protect the environment and Canadians’ health and safety, the Government of Canada is committed to advancing efforts to replace, reduce, or refine the use of animals in testing where possible, including through proposed changes in legislation, such as the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) and its regulations.
In April 2022, Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada initiated a one-year review of the New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers) as part of the Regulatory Stock Review Plan in accordance with the Cabinet Directive on Regulation. The departments also committed to reviewing the requirements for animal testing in these Regulations. Upon completion, the Regulatory Stock Review will result in a recommendation to maintain the current Regulations, amend them, repeal them, or replace them with other instruments or regulations.
Background and rationale
The NSNR (Chemicals and Polymers) require notifications from those intending to import or manufacture new substances not on the CEPA Domestic Substances List (DSL). This requirement serves to prevent the introduction of new substances into Canada before they undergo ecological and human health risk assessments, so that appropriate control measures can be put in place when necessary to protect the environment and human health. The information and data required to be provided in support of these notifications may be derived from animal testing.
Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada may accept data from alternative methods to animal testing, also known as New Approach Methods, to fulfil notification requirements under the NSNR (Chemicals and Polymers), as long as such data provide a scientifically valid measure of the endpoint under investigation. Further information on data requirements and the acceptance of alternatives to animal testing is provided in the Guidance Document for the New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers). New Approach Methods are not yet able to replace all animal toxicity tests, notwithstanding advancements in their development. However, advancements in science are increasingly enabling the use of New Approach Methods to help reduce animal testing while ensuring protection of human health and the environment.
Bill S-5 proposes amendments to CEPA to reduce the reliance on animal testing. These amendments introduce new language in the Act’s preamble to recognize the importance of promoting the development and timely incorporation of scientifically justified alternative methods and strategies to replace, reduce or refine the use of vertebrate animals in the testing and assessment of substances.
A growing number of jurisdictions, including the United States, Australia and the European Union, are prioritizing efforts to replace, reduce, or refine the use of vertebrate animals in testing wherever possible.
To align regulatory requirements under the NSNR (Chemicals and Polymers) with advancements in science, the proposed amendments under CEPA as well as international efforts, Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada intend to consider possible amendments in these Regulations to advance efforts to reduce reliance on animal testing.
Next steps
Should the Regulatory Stock Review of the NSNR (Chemicals and Polymers) recommend that these Regulations be amended, Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada will consider amendments to integrate greater flexibility in the regulations to promote alternative approaches that replace, reduce, or refine the use of animals in testing while still meeting relevant technical information requirements to ensure the continued protection of Canadians and their environment.
Stakeholders and other interested parties will have the opportunity to provide input to this Regulatory Stock Review of the NSNR (Chemicals and Polymers) during the review’s engagement stage which is planned to start in early 2023 and will consist of an online public consultation using the platform PlaceSpeak.
Public comments
Comments on this notice can be provided during the next 75 calendar days ending March 29, 2023.
Contact information
Comments on this notice may be submitted to substances@ec.gc.ca or via New substances: contact us.
Greg Carreau
Director General
Safe Environments Directorate
Health Canada
Jacqueline Gonçalves
Director General
Science and Risk Assessment Directorate
Environment and Climate Change Canada
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999
Guide to Addressing Moisture and Mould Indoors
Pursuant to subsection 55(3) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, the Minister of Health hereby gives notice of the intent to publish the final Guide to Addressing Moisture and Mould Indoors. The document will be available on January 14, 2023, on Health Canada’s web page.
January 14, 2023
Greg Carreau
Director General
Safe Environments Directorate
On behalf of the Minister of Health
ANNEX
Guide
The purpose of this guidance is to summarize ways to identify, remediate, and prevent moisture and mould issues indoors. It provides practical recommendations to address this potential health hazard, including guidance for assessing the magnitude of the problem, a prevention checklist, and considerations when hiring a professional to remediate mould and moisture issues indoors. This guidance aligns with what is available internationally and is intended for the general public, including property owners, landlords and tenants, as well as public health and building professionals.
Health Canada has concluded that indoor mould growth may pose a health hazard. Health Canada and other internationally recognized organizations do not propose a health-based exposure limit for mould indoors, as current scientific information is not available to support its derivation.
People living in homes with mould and damp conditions are more likely than others to have
- eye, nose and throat irritation;
- coughing and phlegm build-up;
- wheezing and shortness of breath; and
- worsening of asthma symptoms.
More recently, it is becoming recognized that exposure to indoor mould and dampness may contribute to the development of asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory infections, as well as eczema.
The level of concern depends on the extent of mould growth, regardless of the species, how long it has been present, and the susceptibility and overall health of the individuals exposed. Some people are considered to be at greater risk of experiencing adverse health effects from mould exposure, such as infants, children, seniors, pregnant people and those with respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Any health concerns suspected to be caused by poor indoor air quality, including mould exposure, should be discussed with a health care professional.
PRIVY COUNCIL OFFICE
Appointment opportunities
We know that our country is stronger — and our government more effective — when decision-makers reflect Canada’s diversity. The Government of Canada has implemented an appointment process that is transparent and merit-based, strives for gender parity, and ensures that Indigenous peoples and minority groups are properly represented in positions of leadership. We continue to search for Canadians who reflect the values that we all embrace: inclusion, honesty, fiscal prudence, and generosity of spirit. Together, we will build a government as diverse as Canada.
We are equally committed to providing a healthy workplace that supports one’s dignity, self-esteem and the ability to work to one’s full potential. With this in mind, all appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful and harassment-free work environment.
The Government of Canada is currently seeking applications from diverse and talented Canadians from across the country who are interested in the following positions.
Current opportunities
The following opportunities for appointments to Governor in Council positions are currently open for applications. Every opportunity is open for a minimum of two weeks from the date of posting on the Governor in Council appointments website.
| Position | Organization | Closing date |
|---|---|---|
| Director | Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada | |
| Director | Atomic Energy of Canada Limited | |
| Director | Bank of Canada | |
| Chairperson | Business Development Bank of Canada | |
| Director | Business Development Bank of Canada | |
| Director | Canada Council for the Arts | |
| Director | Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation | |
| Director | Canada Foundation for Sustainable Development Technology | |
| President | Canada Lands Company Limited | |
| Director | Canada Post Corporation | |
| Director | Canada Revenue Agency | |
| Chairperson | Canadian Air Transport Security Authority | |
| Chief Executive Officer | Canadian Air Transport Security Authority | |
| Director | Canadian Commercial Corporation | |
| Member | Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board | |
| Director | Canadian Energy Regulator | |
| Chairperson | Canadian High Arctic Research Station | |
| Member | Canadian High Arctic Research Station | |
| Vice-Chairperson | Canadian High Arctic Research Station | |
| Chief Commissioner | Canadian Human Rights Commission | |
| Pay Equity Commissioner | Canadian Human Rights Commission | |
| Member | Canadian Human Rights Tribunal | |
| Member | Canadian Institutes of Health Research | |
| Secretary | Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat | |
| Trustee | Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 | |
| Chairperson | Canadian Museum of Nature | |
| Member | Canadian Statistics Advisory Council | |
| Member | Canadian Transportation Agency | |
| Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia | Department of Canadian Heritage | |
| Chairperson | Export Development Canada | |
| Director | Export Development Canada | |
| Director | First Nations Financial Management Board | |
| Deputy Administrator | Fund for Railway Accidents Involving Designated Goods | |
| Member | Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada | |
| Commissioner | International Commission on the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas | |
| President | International Development Research Centre | |
| Commissioner | International Joint Commission | |
| Director | Invest in Canada Hub | |
| Commissioner | Law Commission of Canada | |
| President | Law Commission of Canada | |
| Chairperson | Military Grievances External Review Committee | |
| Vice-Chairperson | Military Grievances External Review Committee | |
| Chairperson | National Arts Centre Corporation | |
| Chairperson | National Capital Commission | |
| Member | National Capital Commission | |
| Member | National Farm Products Council | |
| Vice-Chairperson | National Farm Products Council | |
| Director | National Gallery of Canada | |
| Member | Net-Zero Advisory Body | |
| Canadian Representative | North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization | |
| Canadian Representative | North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission | |
| Public Sector Integrity Commissioner | Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner | |
| Member | Pacific Pilotage Authority | |
| Chairperson | Patented Medicine Prices Review Board | |
| Commissioner | Public Service Commission | |
| Chairperson | Royal Canadian Mounted Police Management Advisory Board | |
| Member | Royal Canadian Mounted Police Management Advisory Board | |
| Vice-Chairperson | Royal Canadian Mounted Police Management Advisory Board | |
| Deputy Administrator | Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund | |
| Executive Director | Telefilm Canada | |
| Chief Executive Officer | VIA Rail Canada Inc. |