Risk Management Scope

Coal Tars and their Distillates

Environment and Climate Change Canada
Health Canada
June 2016

(PDF Format - 174 KB)

Table of Contents

• Summary of Proposed Risk Management
• 1. Context
• 2. Issue
  • 2.1 Draftscreening Assessment Conclusion
  • 2.2 Proposed Recommendation Under CEPA
• 3. Proposed Risk Management
  • 3.1 Proposed Environmental and Human Health Objective
  • 3.2 Proposed Risk Management Objective and Options under Consideration
  • 3.3 Risk Management Information Gaps
• 4. Background
  • 4.1 Current Uses and Identified Sectors
• 5. Exposure Sources and Identified Risks
  • 5.1 Integrated Iron and Steel Mills
  • 5.2 Coal Tar Refining
  • 5.3 Coal tar-based Pavement Sealant (CTPS)
  • 5.4 Aluminum
  • 5.5 Human Health and Environmental Risks from Other Uses
  • 5.6 Therapeutic Products
  • 5.7 Summary
• 6. Risk Management Considerations
  • 6.1 Alternatives and Alternate Technologies
  • 6.2 Socio-economic and Technical Considerations
• 7. Overview of Existing Risk Management
  • 7.1 Related Canadian Risk Management Context
  • 7.2 Pertinent International Risk Management Context
• 8. Next Steps
  • 8.1 Public Comment Period
  • 8.2 Timing of Actions
• 9. References
• Appendix 1

Summary of Proposed Risk Management

This document outlines the risk management options under consideration for the coal tars and their distillates assessed under the Chemicals Management Plan, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). In particular, the Government of Canada is proposing to consider regulatory or non-regulatory initiatives that:

• would minimize releases from coal tars and their distillates from their handling and storage at steel mills;
• would minimize releases from coal tars and their distillates from their processing, handling and storage at coal tar refining facilities; and
• would minimize the use of coal tar-based pavement sealants in order to minimize exposure to the general public and the environment.

The Government will conduct a review of the effectiveness of existing federal and provincial risk management actions controlling the releases of PAHs and benzene from the handling and storage of coal tars and their distillates at steel mills; and of provincial risk management actions controlling releases of PAHs and benzene from the processing, handling and storage of coal tars and their distillates at coal tar refining facilities.

The risk management options outlined in this Risk Management Scope document may evolve through consideration of assessments and risk management options as required, to ensure effective, coordinated, and consistent risk management decision-making.

Note: The above summary is an abridged list of options under consideration to manage these coal tar substances. Refer to section 3 of this document for more complete details in this regard.

1. Context

The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 provides the authority for the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change and the Minister of Health (the Ministers) to conduct screening assessments to determine if substances are harmful to human health and/or the environment as set out in section 64 of CEPA ^{Footnote 1},^{Footnote 2}, and if so to manage the associated risks.

Pursuant to the Act, the Ministers have conducted a screening assessment of coal tars and their distillates, which form Stream 0^{Footnote 3} of the Petroleum Sector Stream Approach under the Government of Canada's Chemicals Management Plan.

Coal tars are the condensation products obtained by cooling, to approximately ambient temperature, the gas evolved in the destructive distillation (pyrolysis) of coal that occurs at integrated steel mills and are often delineated by the pyrolysis temperature (low or high). Coal tar distillates are various boiling point fractions derived from the distillation of coal tars at a coal tar refinery, and include both the fractions obtained from the distillation tower as well as the residue (pitch) remaining following distillation. Coal tars and their distillates are considered to be of Unknown or Variable composition, Complex reaction products or Biological materials (UVCBs). They are complex mixtures of hydrocarbons (mainly aromatic), phenolics, and heterocyclic oxygen, sulphur and nitrogen compounds.

During the categorization exercise, coal tars and their distillates under six Chemical Abstracts Service Numbers (CAS RN) 8007-45-2 (Tar, coal), 65996-90-9 (Tar, coal, low-temperature), 65996-89-6 (Tar, coal, high-temperature) 65996-93-2 (Pitch, coal tar, high-temperature), 65996-82-9 (Tar oils, coal) and 65996-91-0 (Distillates (coal tar), upper) were identified as priorities for assessment, as they met the categorization criteria under subsection 73(1) of CEPA and/or were considered as a priority based on other human health concerns. Data obtained on these six coal tars and their distillates were used to assess the risk from all coal tars and their distillates as defined above. As such, the conclusions of this assessment are considered to cover coal tars and their distillates including the six priority CAS RNs.

2. Issue

2.1 Draft Screening Assessment Conclusion

Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada conducted a joint scientific assessment relevant to the evaluation of coal tars and their distillates in Canada. A notice summarizing the scientific considerations of the draft screening assessment was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on June 11, 2016 (Canada 2016a).

Based on the information available, the draft screening assessment proposes that coal tars and their distillates are toxic under section 64(a) of CEPA because they are or may be entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under condition that have or may have an immediate or long-term harmful effect on the environment or its biological diversity.

The draft screening assessment also proposes that coal tars and their distillates are toxic under section 64(c) of CEPA because they are or may be 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.

The proposed risk management options described in this document and the proposed conclusion outlined in the draft screening assessment are preliminary and may be subject to change. For further information on the draft screening assessment for coal tars and their distillates, refer to the Draft screening assessment for coal tars and their distillates.

2.2 Proposed Recommendation Under CEPA

Based on the findings of the draft screening assessment conducted under sections 74 and 68 of CEPA, substances may be found to meet one or more of the criteria under section 64 of CEPA. The Ministers can then propose to take no further action with respect to the substances, add the substances to the Priority Substances List (PSL) for further assessment, or recommend the addition of the substances to the List of Toxic Substances in Schedule 1 of the Act. In this case, the Ministers propose to recommend the addition of "coal tars and their distillates" to the List of Toxic Substances in Schedule 1 of the Act.

3. Proposed Risk Management

3.1 Proposed Environmental and Human Health Objective

Proposed environmental and human health objectives are quantitative or qualitative statements of what should be achieved to address environmental and human health concerns related to these coal tar substances.

The proposed environmental and human health objectives for coal tars and their distillations products are:

• Environmental Objective 1 – to reduce deposition to soil from air releases from coal tars and their distillates to levels that are protective of the environment;
• Environmental Objective 2 – to reduce run-off to surface water and sediment from coal tar-based products to levels that are protective of the environment;
• Human Health Objective 1 – to reduce inhalation exposure to emissions of coal tars and their distillates to levels that are protective of human health;
• Human Health Objective 2 – to reduce ingestion exposure to indoor dust contaminated with substances derived from coal tar- based products to levels that are protective of human health.

3.2 Proposed Risk Management Objective and Options under Consideration

Proposed risk management objectives set quantitative or qualitative targets to be achieved by the implementation of risk management regulations, instrument(s) and/or tool(s) for a given substance or substances. The proposed risk management objectives for these coal tars and their distillates are:

• Risk Management Objective 1- to reduce air emissions from coal tars and their distillates released from their handling and storage at steel mill facilities to levels that are protective of human health taking into account technical and economic feasibility and consideration of socio-economic factors;
• Risk Management Objective 2 - to reduce air emissions from coal tars and their distillates released from their processing, storage and handling at coal tar refining facilities to levels protective of human health and the environment taking into account technical and economic feasibility and consideration of socio-economic factors; and
• Risk Management Objective 3 – to reduce releases from coal tar-based pavement sealants to levels that are protective of human health and the environment, taking into account technical and economic feasibility and consideration of socio-economic factors.

In order to achieve the proposed risk management objectives and to work towards achieving the proposed environmental and human health objectives, the proposed risk management actions being considered for coal tars and their distillates are to consider regulatory or non-regulatory initiatives that:

• would minimize releases from coal tars and their distillates from their handling and storage at steel mills;
• would minimize releases of coal tars and their distillates from their processing, handling and storage at coal tar refining facilities; and
• would minimize the use of coal tar-based pavement sealants in order to minimize exposure to the general public and the environment.

The Government will conduct a review of the effectiveness of existing federal and provincial risk management actions controlling the releases of PAHs and benzene from the handling and storage of coal tars and their distillates at steel mills; and of provincial risk management actions controlling releases of PAHs and benzene from the processing, handling and storage of coal tars and their distillates at coal tar refining facilities.

Following the publication of this Risk Management Scope document and draft screening assessment, additional information obtained from the public comment period and from other sources will be considered, along with the information presented in this document, in the instrument selection and development process. The risk management options outlined in this document may evolve through consideration of assessments and risk management options published for other substances to ensure effective, coordinated, and consistent risk management decision-making.

3.3 Risk Management Information Gaps

At this time, additional information is being requested from industry; to help fill possible information gaps:

• For integrated steel mills and coal tar refiners that have requested alternative measures such as technical standards or site specific standards under the Ontario Regulation 419/05:
  • provide information and analysis on levels of air releases to be achieved as a result of meeting Ontario’s alternate standards when they come into force; and
  • provide available, recent, relevant Emission Summary and Dispersion Modelling Reports (ESDMR) and any facility ambient monitoring data.
• For companies producing or importing coal tar-based pavement sealants:
  • provide volumes of coal tar-based pavement sealants by CAS RN produced, imported or used in consumer and commercial products in Canada in 2013;
  • provide information on past and expected future market trends for the use of coal tar-based pavement sealants; and
  • provide any additional information available on these products.

Data collection initiatives (including s.71 surveys) may be under taken to collect additional information on coal tars and their distillates to inform risk management decision-making.

For information on how to submit information, please see section 8.1 Public Comment Period.

4. Background

4.1 Current Uses and Identified Sectors

4.1.1 Coal Tar Production

Coal tars are produced in Canada as a by-product of the coke making operations of integrated iron and steel mills (CHEMINFO 2010), and are also imported into Canada (CCPA 2010). In 2014, there were three integrated iron and steel mills in Canada. A fourth integrated iron and steel facility (U.S. Steel Canada, Inc. in Hamilton, Ontario) stopped manufacturing iron and steel in late 2013 but continues to manufacture coke and thus coal tars.

An estimated 165 to 220 kilotonnes (kT) of coal tar are produced and refined annually in Canada (Sutton 2008). Actual production varies from year to year, driven primarily by increases and decreases in the demand for steel (Sutton 2008). Changes in the production volume of steel lead directly to changes in the production volumes of coke and coal tars as by-products.

4.1.2 Coal Tar Distillates

Coal tar distillates are produced by the distillation of coal tars at a coal tar refiner. Coal tar oils (CAS RN 65996-82-9), coal tar upper distillates (CAS RN 65996-91-0) and high-temperature coal tar pitch (CAS RN 65996-93-2) and other coal tar distillates are produced in Canada by the further distillation of high-temperature coal tars at a coal tar refining facility.

4.1.2.1 Coal Tar Pitch

Distillation of the coal tar produces about 50% by weight of coal tar pitch. Therefore, about 82 to 110 kT of coal tar pitch are produced annually in Canada, based on Sutton’s (2008) estimate of Canadian coal tar production.

4.2.2.1.1 Coal Tar-based Pavement Sealants (CTPS)

Coal tar-based pavement sealants (CTPS) constitute one of several types of pavement sealants in the Canadian do-it-yourself retail market and appear to have limited availability in stores across Canada (EHS 2010). Pavement sealing contractors generally do not use CTPS (EHS 2010); however, a quantity of CTPS is produced and sold to the commercial/contractor market. High temperature Coal Tar Pitch (HTCTP) (CAS RN 65996-93-2) is used in pavement sealants (typically 15–30 w/w%) in Canada, which are generally applied to residential driveways and small commercial or residential parking lots; they are not applied to roadways or airport tarmacs in Canada (EHS 2010). It is estimated that 10 500 ± 50% tonnes/year of CTPS is sold in Canada by a small number of companies, mostly in the retail sector (EHS 2010). Use of coal tar pitch for pavement and roofing applications has been decreasing as it is replaced by asphalt sealants which have a lower PAH content (European Commission 2008).

4.1.2.1.2 Coal Tar Pitch use in Aluminum Sector

In Canada, approximately 307 kT per year of coal tar pitch are consumed by the aluminum industry for use as a binder in anodes (Sutton 2008). A significant quantity of coal tar pitch must be imported to satisfy this demand. Specifically, coal tar pitch (CAS RN 65996-93-2) is primarily used by aluminum smelters as a binder in anodes (ATSDR 2002).

4.1.2.1.3 Other uses of coal tar and coal tar pitch

The following additional sectors and uses were described in detail in the draftscreening assessment and include: fuel used in blast furnaces, roofing systems, epoxy coatings, clay pigeons, briquettes, and refractories. For additional detail refer to section 5 of the draft screening assessment for Coal Tars and their Distillates.

Coal tar is also listed in the Drug Products Database (DPD) as an active ingredient present in human and veterinary drugs (therapeutic products), primarily in the form of shampoos and is used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and seborrheic dermatitis (DPD 2014).

5. Exposure Sources and Identified Risks

Releases from coal tars and their distillates may occur due to activities associated with their production/processing, transportation and storage as well as during the use and disposal of consumer and industrial products which contain them.

5.1 Integrated Iron and Steel Mills

5.1.1 Health risks

Emissions of volatile compounds are associated with industries that produce and refine coal tars. Benzene emissions from industrial releases arise from coal tar storage and handling following the coking process at steel mills. Dispersion modelling was used to determine concentrations of coal tar-derived benzene to which the general population may be exposed in the vicinity of coal tar storage tanks at steel mills. The modelled results show benzene levels below or slightly above that of the average background; a maximum of 0.11 to 1.11 µg/m3 at 1000 m from the source of release.

Although the modelling estimates of exposure are considered conservative (i.e., protective), there is the potential for increased long-term exposure for those residing in the vicinity of this industry. This is supported by limited monitoring data which are several times larger than the annual averages.

For further details, see section 10 of the draft screening assessment for Coal Tars and their Distillates.

5.2 Coal Tar Refining

5.2.1 Health risks

Releases of benzene and PAHs constituents are associated with the processing, the storage and handling of coal tars and their distillates, and represent high-hazard constituents of concern. From information provided by the refiner it has been determined that it is not possible to definitively conclude the exact substance from which these emissions are originating due to extensive vapour capture and emissions control systems which are interlinked throughout the facility (Ruetgers 2013b). Thus, releases will be considered to apply to all substances which are associated with coal tars.

Dispersion modelling was used to determine concentrations of coal tar-derived benzene to which the general population may be exposed in the vicinity of a coal tar refining site. The results of the dispersion modelling indicated elevated levels of benzene at a distance of 1000 m from the source of release. Map analysis has confirmed that residences exist within this distance. The Margins of Exposure (MOEs) for inhalation of benzene emissions from a coal tar refiner are considered potentially inadequate to address uncertainties related to the health effects and exposure databases.

The MOE was similarly calculated for PAHs released as a result of coal tar refining and is considered adequate to address the uncertainties in the exposure and health effects databases.

For further details, see section 10 of the draft screening assessment for Coal Tars and their Distillates.

5.2.2 Environmental risks

The deposition of PAHs from coal tars and their distillates to soil as a result of air emissions from a coal tar refiner in Canada was examined as a potential route of exposure through modelling (based on 2012 National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) release data). The analysis only considered the top three PAHs (naphthalene, phenanthrene and acenaphthene) emitted by the coal tar refiner, representing 94% of all PAHs released at the facility as reported to NPRI (2012 NPRI Reporting Data). The soil concentration resulting from their air release deposition of these three PAHs exceeds Canadian Soil Environmental Quality Guidelines (CCME 2010) and concluded to pose a risk to the environment.  As the effect of PAHs is additive, all additional PAHs released will increase the overall risk. For further details, see section 9 of the draft screening assessment for Coal Tars and their Distillates.

5.3 Coal tar-based Pavement Sealant (CTPS)

5.3.1 Health Risks

Coal tars and HTCTP are used in pavement sealants (typically 15–30 w/w%) in Canada, which are generally applied to residential driveways and small commercial or residential parking lots (EHS 2010). Several studies have shown elevated levels of HTCTP-derived PAHs in indoor dust samples collected in homes having CTPS-sealed driveways or parking lots.

The MOEs associated with ingestion of house dust containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) derived from coal tar-based pavement sealants by children is considered inadequate to protect these vulnerable subpopulations.

For further details, see section 10 of the draft screening assessment for Coal Tars and their Distillates.

5.3.2 Environmental Risks

Based on the use of CTPS in Canada, storm water runoff from paved areas coated with CTPS is expected to enter the aquatic environment. Analysis indicates that PAHs from CTPS-coated areas can reach levels that are high enough to exert toxicity to aquatic organisms in receiving water bodies, both through aggregate exposure, and also for individual PAHs, in some cases. Long term accumulation of PAHs in the sediment bed could cause toxic effects in sediment organisms, as well as exposure to pelagic species should sediment re-suspension occur.

5.4 Aluminum

Releases of PAHs to air from the use of coal tar pitch as a binder in anodes at aluminum smelters were examined in Canada (1994), and risk management actions to address this source have been implemented; therefore, anodes as a release source of pitch is not further considered.

5.5 Human Health and Environmental Risks from Other Uses

Exposure to HTCTP from roof resurfacing activities is infrequent, is conducted in the outdoor environment, and is usually completed by a professional contractor. Built-up roofing systems containing coal tar pitch (for flat roofs and roofs of low slope) are not considered to be a significant source of exposure to HTCTP for the Canadian general population or the environment.

5.6 Therapeutic Products

Potential general population exposures and ecological exposures to the PAHs present in these products from post-consumer use is expected to be minimal as these products represent a small fraction of sales in their respective product categories in Canada. Most coal tar-containing drugs are formulated to contain approximately 0.5% to 10% coal tar, which limits amounts entering wastewater (Health Canada 2006). Additionally, wastewater treatment systems (WWTSs) are able to remove an average of 73% of PAHs conveyed to the WWTSs, further limiting post-consumer exposures from receiving water (Pham and Proulx 1997). The low PAH levels from therapeutics will be further reduced by environmental biodegradation and/or drinking water treatment prior to consumption.

5.7 Summary

Conclusion: Coal Tars and their distillates meet one or more criteria as set out in section 64 of CEPA. The conclusion on coal tars and their distillates was reached by looking at the following scenarios:

Industrial scenarios

• Releases from coal tars and their distillates from their storage and handling at steel mills are identified as meeting the toxic definition
• Releases from coal tars and their distillates from their processing, storage and handling at coal tar refining facilities are identified as meeting the toxic definition

Coal tar-based sealant application scenario

• Releases resulting from the application and use of coal tar-based pavement sealants are identified as meeting the toxic definition

6. Risk Management Considerations

6.1 Alternatives and Alternate Technologies

No alternative substances or technologies were identified that would minimize or eliminate the production and industrial uses of these coal tar substances. However, technologies and practices for reducing releases of these substances during production and processing exist. Examples include the use of technology such as vapour collection and treatment systems and equipment selection such as certified low-leaking valves and fittings, as well as work practices such as leak detection and repair programs for equipment leaks and during loading and unloading.

Coal tar-based pavement sealants (CTPS) constitute one of several types of pavement sealants in the Canadian do-it-yourself retail market and appear to have limited availability in stores across Canada (EHS 2010). Alternative pavement sealers include asphalt-based pavement sealants, acrylic co-polymers and organic concrete sealants including acrylic sealers, epoxy coatings, urethane sealants, polyureas, and polyaspartics (EPA 2011).

6.2 Socio-economic and Technical Considerations

Socio-economic factors will be considered in the selection process for a potential regulatory or non-regulatory approach respecting preventive or control actions, and in the development of the risk management objectives(s). Socio-economic factors will also be considered in the development of potential regulations or non-regulatory instrument(s) or tool(s) as identified in the Cabinet Directive on Regulatory Management (TBS 2012) and the guidance provided in the Treasury Board document Assessing, Selecting, and Implementing Instruments for Government Action.

7. Overview of Existing Risk Management

7.1 Related Canadian Risk Management Context

Federal

Coal tars, crude and refined, are listed as ingredients in cosmetic products in Canada, as per the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist. The Hotlist is an administrative tool that Health Canada uses to communicate to manufacturers and others that certain substances, when present in a cosmetic, may contravene (a) the general prohibition found in Food and Drugs Act or (b) a provision of the Cosmetic Regulations.

Coal tar is listed in the Natural Health Products Ingredients Database (NHPID) as a non-natural health product substance not falling under Schedule 1 of the Natural Health Products Regulations, and thus not listed in the Licensed Natural Health Products Database (LNHPD) to be present in any currently licensed natural health products (NHPID 2014; Canada 2003; LNHPD 2014). None of the remaining substances are listed in the NHPID or LNHPD as medicinal or non-medicinal ingredients present in licensed natural health products in Canada (NHPID 2014; LNHPD 2014).

PAHs and benzene are subject to federal actions in the steel sector. An Environmental Code of Practice for Integrated Steel Mills was put in place in March 2001. It outlines environmental concerns associated with the integrated mills segments of the steel manufacturing sector and advances recommendations aimed at preserving and enhancing the quality of the environment that is affected by these mills. Environmental performance standards are included for atmospheric emissions of PAHs and benzene.

In addition, a draft Code of Practice to reduce Fugitive Emissions of Total Particulate Matter and Volatile Organic Compounds from the Iron, Steel and Ilmenite Sector was published in June 2014 . It includes recommendations for handling and storage along with recommendations for vapour collection to be used to contain benzene vapours during the transfer of benzene-containing liquids to tank trucks or rail cars in the coke by-product plants of integrated steel mills.

PAHs and benzene have additional sources of exposure to the environment in Canada beyond the releases examined in the assessment of coal tars and their distillates. Many of the sectors identified as sources of PAHs and benzene in the Priority Substances Assessments of those substances are subject to Federal and Provincial controls (PAH and benzene). Given the scope of releases of PAHs and benzene from coal tars and their distillation products in the context of overall releases of these substances, the Government of Canada may give consideration to conducting a review of the effectiveness of existing federal or provincial risk management actions for these substances.

Provincial

In 2005, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) introduced the Ontario local air quality regulation (O. Reg. 419/05: Air Pollution – Local Air Quality). This regulation aims to limit exposure to substances released from local industrial and commercial facilities into air that can affect human health and/or the environment.

Under the regulation, industry can implement one of three compliance approaches, each designed to manage the risks associated with a facility’s air emissions:

• Meet the general air standard by the phase-in period
• Request and meet a site-specific standard, or
• Register and meet the requirements under a technical standard (if available).

Further details on this regulation can be found at these web sites:

• Air Pollution - Local Air Quality
• Rules on air quality and pollution

In 2011, the Regulation was amended to include new annual average air standards of 0.45 μg/m³ for benzene (CAS RN 71-43-2) and 0.00001 μg/m³ for benzo(a)pyrene (CAS RN 50-32-8) as a surrogate for total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These standards will take effect on July 1, 2016.

Of note, until July 2016, benzo(a)pyrene is assessed against its guideline of 0.0011 μg/m³ (24 hour average) while benzene is assessed against its upper risk thresholds of 100 μg/m³ (24 hour average). Individual facilities may also have a Certificate of Approval for discharge into air, subject to conditions, in accordance with section 9 of the Ontario Environmental Protection Act.

7.2 Pertinent International Risk Management Context

United States

A number of jurisdictions in the United States have taken action to control or ban the use of coal tar-based pavement sealants. Annex 1 provides a compilation of recent actions related to CTPS in the United States.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the US Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), issued a significant new use rule (SNUR) for two substances (CAS RN 8007-45-2 – tar, coal and CAS RN 65996-91-0 – Distillates (coal tar), upper). The SNUR would require persons to file a significant new use notification (SNUN) with the EPA prior to manufacturing, importing, or processing any of these chemical substances for use in a consumer product or for any use, or combination of uses, that is reasonably likely to expose 1000 or more workers at a single corporate entity. The required notification would provide EPA with the opportunity to evaluate the intended use and, if necessary, to prohibit or limit that activity before it occurs.

Other Jurisdictions

Europe: In the European Union, Coal Tar Pitch, high temperature (CTPHT), CAS RN 95996-93-2, has been identified as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has proposed that CTPHT be recommended for inclusion in Annex XIV (Authorisation List) of the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation. Substances listed in Annex XIV cannot be placed on the market or used after a given date (sunset date), unless an authorisation is granted for their specific use, or the use is exempted from authorisation.

Switzerland

In Switzerland, preparations containing tar are prohibited if they contain more than 100 mg or 0.01% of PAH per kilogram. This includes preparations for surface dressing of pavement, joint sealants for paved surfaces, paints and varnishes, clay pigeons, foundation, base binder and surface coatings.

8. Next Steps

8.1 Public Comment Period

Industry and other interested stakeholders are invited to submit comments on the content of this Risk Management Scope or other information that would help to inform decision-making. Stakeholders are also encouraged to provide information as outlined in section 3.3 Risk Management Information Gaps. Please submit additional information and comments prior to August 10, 2015, 2016. The Risk Management Approach document, if required, which will outline and seek input on the proposed risk management instrument(s), will be published at the same time as the final screening assessment. At that time, there will be further opportunity for consultation.

Comments and information submissions on the Risk Management Scope should be submitted to the address provided below:

Environment and Climate Change Canada
Chemicals Management Division
Gatineau Quebec K1A 0H3
Tel: 1-888-228-0530 | 819-956-9313
Fax: 819-953-7155
Email

Companies who have a business interest in these coal tar substances are encouraged to identify themselves as stakeholders. Stakeholders will be informed of future decisions regarding the substances and may be contacted for further information.

8.2 Timing of Actions

Electronic consultation on the Risk Management Scope: June 11, 2016 to August 10, 2016.

Publication of responses to public comments on the draft screening assessment and Risk Management Scope:  expected to be summer 2017.

Publication of the final screening assessment and, if required, the Risk Management Approach document: expected to be summer 2017.

9. References

[ATSDR] Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 2002. Toxicological profile for wood creosote, coal tar creosote, coal tar, coal tar pitch, and coal tar pitch volatiles. Atlanta (GA): Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology, Toxicology Information Branch.

Canada. 1999. Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. S.C., 1999, c. 33, Canada Gazette Part III, vol. 22, no. 3. Available from: http://www.gazette.gc.ca/archives/p3/1999/index-eng.html

Canada. 2003. Natural Health Products Regulations. Available from: http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-2003-196/

[CCME] Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment. 2010. Canadian Soil Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Environmental and Human Health: Carcinogenic and Other PAHs. Available from: http://www.ccme.ca/en/resources/canadian_environmental_quality_guidelines/scientific_supporting_documents.html

[CCPA] Canadian Chemical Producers’ Association. 2010. Responsible Care® Re-verification of VFT Canada Inc. [Internet]. [cited 2011 Jan]

CHEMINFO] Cheminfo Services Inc. 2010. Technical and Socioeconomic Background Study on Coal Tars. Confidential Final Report. Confidential Contract Report. Coal Tars. Protected B. March 2010. Submitted to Health Canada.

[DPD] Drug Product Database. 2014. [database on the Internet]. Ottawa (ON): Health Canada. [cited 2014 June]. Available from: http://webprod5.hc-sc.gc.ca/dpd-bdpp/index-eng.jsp

[EHS] Environmental Health Strategies. 2010. Technical and economic study of VOC emissions from coal tar-based pavement sealants. Final report. Prepared for Products Division, Chemical Sectors, Environmental Stewardship Branch, Environment Canada. Toronto (ON): Environmental Health Strategies Inc.

European Commission. 2008. European Union risk assessment report. Coal-tar pitch, high temperature. CAS No.: 65996-93-2. EINECS No.:266-028-2. Risk assessment. Environment. May 2008. Luxembourg (NL): Office for Official Publications of the European Communities. [cited 2014] Available from: http://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/433ccfe1-f9a5-4420-9dae-bb316f898fe1

Health Canada. 2006. Anti-Dandruff Products monograph. Natural Health Products Ingredients Database. [Internet]. Ottawa (ON): Health Canada. [cited 2014 June 27]. Available from: http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq.do?atid=antidandruff_anitpelliculaire&lang=eng

[LNHPD] 2014. Licensed Natural Health Products Database. [database on the Internet]. Ottawa (ON): Health Canada. [cited 2014 June]. Available from: http://webprod5.hc-sc.gc.ca/lnhpd-bdpsnh/index-eng.jsp

[NHPID] Natural Health Products Ingredients Database. 2014. [database on the internet]. Ottawa (ON): Health Canada. [cited 2014 June]. Available from: http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/search-rechercheReq.do?lang=eng

Pham TT, Proulx S. 1997. PCBs and PAHs in the Montreal Urban Community (Quebec, Canada) Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Effluent Plume in the St. Lawrence River. Water Research 31(8): 1887–96.

[Ruetgers] Ruetgers Canada Inc. 2013b. Follow-up questions related to coal tar substances. Document, 4 pp. E-mail to Risk Management Bureau, Health Canada, Aug. 2013.

Sutton M. 2008. Coal tar pitch markets in Europe & North America. Presentation at the 12th Annual Met Coke World Summit October 22–24, 2008, Chicago, Illinois. Hamilton (ON): VFT Canada Inc. Available from: http://www.accci.org/industry.html

Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. 2012a. Cabinet Directive on Regulatory Management. Available from: www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rtrap-parfa/cdrm-dcgr/cdrm-dcgrtb-eng.asp

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (2011). "Assessment of Water Quality of Runoff from Sealed Asphalt Surfaces." EPA/600/R-10/178, EPA, Washington, D.C.

Annex 1

The following table compiles recent actions related to CTPS in the United States:

Date modified:

2016-06-10