Draft assessment: clove, sandalwood, guaiazulene

Summary#

This notice publishes a draft screening assessment of 16 related fragrance and essential-oil substances under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The federal health and environment ministers propose that T & T clove oil, sandalwood oil, and guaiazulene may need action and could be added to Schedule 1, while the other 13 substances are proposed for no further action at this time. There is a public comment period of 60 days from the notice (published May 8, 2021).

What it does#

• Publishes a draft assessment covering 16 substances in the “Monocyclic and Bicyclic Sesquiterpenes Group.”
• Proposes that T & T clove oil, sandalwood oil, and guaiazulene meet one or more harmfulness criteria and recommends they be added to Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (this is a proposal, not a final decision).
• States the ministers are satisfied certain legal conditions are met for T & T clove oil and guaiazulene and have released a risk management scope document to start discussions with stakeholders.
• Proposes no further action at this time for the remaining 13 substances in the assessment (including balsams copaiba and ginger oil).
• Identifies specific product uses and age groups where exposures may be of concern:
  • T & T clove oil used as a body fragrance/perfume: children aged 2 to 8.
  • Sandalwood oil: potential concerns for body lotion (all ages), essential-oil body fragrances (starting at 2 to 8), and massage oil for infants and children up to 8 years.
  • Guaiazulene: potential concerns from hair perm/straightening products for people starting in the 4 to 8 age group.
• Notes that T & T clove oil and guaiazulene were found to meet the federal persistence and bioaccumulation criteria, while sandalwood oil did not.

Who's affected#

• Companies that import, make or use these substances, including makers of:
  • personal-care and cosmetic products (lotions, shampoos, perfumes),
  • cleaning products and air fresheners,
  • some pest-control formulations,
  • food flavouring suppliers.
• Consumers who use products containing these ingredients. Children and infants are specifically highlighted for some products.
• Stakeholders who may want to comment during the 60-day public consultation, including industry groups and health or environmental non-profits.
• Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada — they will use feedback while developing any risk management steps.

Why it matters#

• Being added to Schedule 1 starts a process that can lead to rules or restrictions. That can change what goes into products, or require limits, labels, or other controls.
• Manufacturers and importers could face new requirements if the proposal becomes final. They may need to reformulate products or provide more safety data.
• Consumers — especially parents of young children — may want to watch for product changes or safety information for items that use these oils or ingredients.
• The public consultation is the main chance to give information or raise concerns before any final legal steps are taken.