ETU assessment, NSNR testing changes, mould guide

Summary#

This Canada Gazette issue announces several government notices from Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada published on January 14, 2023. Key items: a final screening assessment finding that ethylene thiourea (ETU) does not currently require further action; a notice of intent to update the New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers) to reduce reliance on animal testing; and publication of Health Canada’s Guide to Addressing Moisture and Mould Indoors.

What it does#

• ETU screening assessment under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999:

  • Concludes ethylene thiourea (ETU) does not meet the Act’s danger criteria at current levels.
  • Says ecological risk is low and human health risk from current exposures (diet, drinking water, and residuals from rubber products) is low.
  • Notes ETU is a breakdown product and impurity in ethylene bis‑dithiocarbamate (EBDC) fungicides.
  • Flags that other jurisdictions have concerns: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies ETU as a probable human carcinogen and the EU classifies it as a reproductive hazard; Canada may still do follow-up monitoring if exposures increase.

• Intent to change the New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers):

  • Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada say they will consider amending the Regulations to promote alternatives to animal testing (so‑called New Approach Methods).
  • The departments already accept some alternative data when it is scientifically valid.
  • Public engagement was planned to start in early 2023, and comments were invited for 75 calendar days, ending March 29, 2023.

• Health Canada guidance on mould:

  • Publishes the Guide to Addressing Moisture and Mould Indoors on January 14, 2023.
  • Provides practical steps to find, fix, and prevent mould problems, plus a checklist and advice for hiring remediators.
  • States mould can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing, wheeze and can worsen or contribute to asthma and other respiratory problems.

• Appointment opportunities:

  • The Privy Council Office listed many Governor-in-Council positions open for application, encouraging diverse candidates.

Who's affected#

• Companies that make, import, or use ETU or EBDC fungicides, and manufacturers of rubber and plastic goods where ETU can appear as an impurity or migrate from products.
• People concerned about pesticide breakdown products in food and drinking water, and anyone with rubber goods that might release residues.
• Chemical manufacturers or importers who must notify new substances under the New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers). They may see changes in what tests or alternatives are acceptable.
• Scientists and labs developing or using non‑animal testing methods.
• Homeowners, tenants, landlords and building or public‑health professionals who need practical guidance on mould and dampness.
• Canadians interested in federal appointments and representation in government boards and agencies.

Why it matters#

• The ETU decision gives short‑term reassurance that current exposure levels in Canada are considered low risk, but it does not remove all concern. Monitoring or follow‑up could happen if exposures rise.
• A planned push to accept and encourage non‑animal testing could change what evidence businesses must provide when introducing new chemicals. That may speed up adoption of modern testing methods and reduce animal use over time.
• The mould guide gives everyday people clear, practical steps to protect health and property from damp and mould problems.
• The appointments notice is a routine way the government looks for diverse candidates to fill leadership roles across federal boards and agencies.