The release of the Final update on the human health assessment of long-chain chlorinated alkanes was announced in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on May 12, 2012.

The final update on the human health assessment concludes that chlorinated alkanes containing 18 or more carbon atoms are not entering the environment in concentrations or quantities or under conditions that pose a risk to human health, and therefore, that they do not meet the criteria set out in paragraph 64(c) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Under paragraph 64 (c), substances are considered harmful if they are entering or could enter the environment in quantities or concentrations or under conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger to human life or health in Canada.

For complete information, please consult the Chemical Substances website: http://www.chemicalsubstanceschimiques.gc.ca/challenge-defi/chlor-alkanes-eng.php. 

Contact: Martin Lacroix, 819-994-9226, Program Development and Engagement Division