Hydrocarbon-based Substances Assessment

Summary#

The federal environment and health ministers published a draft screening assessment for a group of hydrocarbon-based substances and propose to take no further action on them at this time. The assessment covers 8 specific substances and notes 35 additional related substances that have already been considered in past reviews. The notice was published on January 8, 2022 and invites public comment.

What it does#

• Presents a draft screening assessment prepared by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.
• Assesses 8 hydrocarbon-based substances (resins, waxes, sulfonated polymers, heavy oxo ends, sulfurized petroleum, and related materials) and proposes the overall conclusion that they are unlikely to harm the environment or human health, so they do not meet the law’s risk criteria.
• Says that 35 other hydrocarbon-based substances were reviewed and found to fall into groups already assessed; those 35 will not be reassessed now.
• Opens a public comment opportunity tied to the proposed risk-management approach; interested people and groups have 60 days to submit comments after publication of the risk-management document.

Who's affected#

• Companies that make or use these hydrocarbon-based substances, including manufacturers of adhesives, sealants, asphalt, lubricants, greases, industrial fluids, and certain industrial formulants.
• Workers and workplaces where these substances are handled (industrial or petrochemical facilities).
• Consumers are unlikely to notice changes because many of the substances are used in industrial or professional products rather than everyday consumer goods.
• Environmental and public-health groups, researchers, and others who follow chemical assessments and may want to comment during the consultation period.

Why it matters#

• If finalized, the proposed conclusion means no new federal restrictions or risk-management actions are expected for these substances right now. That affects businesses by maintaining the current regulatory status.
• The assessment explains why the substances are considered low risk (low volatility, high molecular weight, limited consumer exposure, or low toxicity and bioavailability). That can help companies, health practitioners, and communities understand the reasoning behind the decision.
• There is a short window for the public and stakeholders to comment (the notice refers to a 60‑day comment period). Submissions could influence any future risk-management steps.