SOPP draft screening assessment

Summary#

The notice publishes a draft screening assessment for sodium ortho-phenylphenate (SOPP) (CAS RN 132-27-4) under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) and proposes that SOPP does not meet the law’s test for needing action. It also lists companies that have filed claims to keep some ingredient information confidential under the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act. The notice was published February 29, 2020.

What it does#

• Shares the draft screening assessment by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada that evaluates environmental and human-health risks from SOPP.
• Proposes to conclude that SOPP does not meet the criteria in section 64 of CEPA — meaning the ministers do not plan regulatory action now.
• Notes monitoring and follow-up options are being considered to track any future changes in exposure or use of SOPP.
• Opens a public comment period of 60 days (from the publication date) for anyone to submit information or views about the draft assessment and proposed measures.
• Publishes a list of companies that have filed claims to keep certain supplier ingredient details confidential under the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act. Affected parties have 30 days (from the publication date) to make written representations about those claims.

Who's affected#

• Consumers who may come into contact with products containing SOPP, such as:
  • building and construction materials,
  • tire and rubber lubricants (the main consumer source noted),
  • some food packaging materials,
  • certain natural health products and non-prescription drugs.
• Businesses that make, import or use SOPP, including pesticide registrants and manufacturers or importers that reported quantities in 2008 of 10,000 to 100,000 kg manufactured and 1,000 to 10,000 kg imported.
• Companies listed in the filing of confidentiality claims under the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act (examples include Baker Hughes Canada Company, Arclin Canada Holdings Ltd., Compass Minerals Manitoba Inc., Chevron Oronite Company LLC, The Lubrizol Corporation, and others). These companies are seeking to keep some chemical identities or concentrations off safety data sheets and labels.
• Workers, unions, health and safety officers, and other “affected parties” who may want to challenge confidentiality claims or review the safety data sheets.

Why it matters#

• Laboratory studies cited in the assessment linked SOPP to bladder tumours in animals. That’s why the substance was prioritized for review even though current exposure levels were judged low.
• The ministers’ proposed conclusion means no immediate new restrictions under CEPA, but the government may monitor use and exposure. If use increases, the health concern could become relevant again.
• The public and industry can still influence next steps: anyone can submit information during the 60-day comment period to help shape whether follow-up actions are chosen.
• The confidentiality-claim listings matter for workplace safety: if ingredient identities stay confidential, workers and their representatives may have fewer details about hazardous components unless a review requires disclosure.