Two aluminium salts proposed for action

Summary#

On January 27, 2024, the Canada Gazette published health and environment assessments of several chemical groups under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. For an aluminium group of 55 substances, the government proposes action on aluminum hydroxychloride and aluminum chlorohydrate and no further action on the other 53. The Gazette also proposes adding N‑methyl‑2‑pyrrolidone (NMP) to the list of toxic substances while taking no further action on N‑ethyl‑2‑pyrrolidone (NEP), and it decided not to act on two commercial naphthenic acids.

What it does#

• Aluminium-containing substances (group of 55 substances)

  • Proposes that aluminum hydroxychloride and aluminum chlorohydrate meet the CEPA test for potential danger to human health.
  • Ministers propose recommending these two be added to Part 2 of Schedule 1 under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. A risk-management scope document has been released to start stakeholder talks.
  • Proposes no further action at this time for the other 53 substances in the group.

• Pyrrolidinones (updated assessment)

  • Proposes that N‑methyl‑2‑pyrrolidone (NMP) meets the CEPA test and should be added to Part 2 of Schedule 1. A risk-management scope document for NMP has been released.
  • Proposes no further action on N‑ethyl‑2‑pyrrolidone (NEP) for now, but says it may monitor or track NEP if use or exposure changes.

• Naphthenic acids (final decision)

  • Concludes that two commercial naphthenic acid substances do not meet CEPA criteria. No further action is being taken on those two.

• Public input

  • There is a public comment period of 60 days after the notice for people or organizations to submit scientific or other information.

Who's affected#

• Manufacturers, importers and suppliers of the listed aluminium compounds and of N‑methyl‑2‑pyrrolidone (NMP).
• Companies that use these chemicals in products and industrial processes, including:
  • cosmetics and personal-care (notably antiperspirants and deodorants containing the two aluminium salts),
  • paints and coatings,
  • adhesives and sealants,
  • paint and nail-product removers,
  • automotive, construction, mining and metal‑processing sectors.
• Workers in industries that use or handle NMP or the aluminium compounds.
• Consumers who use products that contain these substances — especially users of aerosol/powder antiperspirants and certain adhesives or paint-stripping products.
• Indigenous communities and others who may have higher dietary exposure from traditional foods or who live near industrial emitters — these groups were considered in the assessments.
• Stakeholders who may want to take part in the risk‑management discussions or submit comments during the 60‑day comment window.

Why it matters#

• Listing a substance on Part 2 of Schedule 1 gives the government authority to develop rules or restrictions. If the proposals move forward, some products or industrial uses could face new limits, controls, labelling, or phase-outs in the future.
• For consumers: the two aluminium salts under review are used in many antiperspirant products. The assessment flagged inhalation (from aerosols or powders) as a route of concern for those specific salts.
• For NMP: the updated assessment identified reproductive and developmental risks in some uses (notably certain construction adhesives). That could lead to tighter controls on products that expose the public or workers to NMP.
• For industries using the two commercial naphthenic acids, the final decision means no immediate regulatory change from this assessment.
• There is still time for the public, companies, scientists and others to submit data or arguments during the 60‑day comment period that could affect final decisions or the shape of any future rules.