The release of the Draft screening assessment report on tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and two of its derivative substances [TBBPA bis(2-hydroxyethyl ether) and TBBPA bis(allyl ether)] was announced in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on November 10, 2012.

The draft screening assessment proposes to conclude that TBBPA is entering the environment in concentrations or quantities or under conditions that pose a risk to the environment, and therefore, that it meets one or more of the criteria set out in section 64 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The two TBBPA derivative substances [TBBPA bis(2-hydroxyethyl ether) and TBBPA bis(allyl ether)] do not meet any of these criteria.

Under section 64, substances are considered harmful if they are entering or could enter the environment in quantities or concentrations or under conditions that:

• have or may have an immediate or long-term harmful effect on the environment or its biological diversity;
• constitute or may constitute a danger to the environment on which life depends; or
• constitute or may constitute a danger to human life or health in Canada.

For complete information, please consult the Chemical Substances website.

Contact: Substances Management Information Line, substances@ec.gc.ca, 1-800-567-1999 (in Canada) or 819-953-7156