Decisions on ETU, animal‑testing reforms, mould guide

Summary#

This Canada Gazette (Part I) issue published January 14, 2023 includes several government notices. It announces a final screening decision on 2‑imidazolidinethione (ethylene thiourea [ETU]), a notice of intent to update the New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers) to reduce reliance on animal testing, and the release of Health Canada’s Guide to Addressing Moisture and Mould Indoors.

What it does#

• ETU screening:
  • The ministers concluded ETU does not meet the harm criteria in the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) and proposed no further action at this time.
  • Reported Canadian activity (2008): less than 100 kg manufactured and 10,000 kg to 100,000 kg imported.
  • The assessment found low ecological and human‑health risks at current levels, but noted ETU is a breakdown product of some fungicides and has been classified elsewhere as a carcinogen (U.S. EPA Group B2) and as a reproductive hazard (Repr. 1B: H360D in the EU).
• Reducing animal testing in new‑substance notifications:
  • Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada say they intend to consider amendments to the New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers) to encourage alternative testing methods.
  • The departments began a review in April 2022. Public engagement was planned for early 2023.
  • A comment period tied to this notice ran for 75 calendar days, ending March 29, 2023.
• Moisture and mould guidance:
  • Health Canada published the final Guide to Addressing Moisture and Mould Indoors on January 14, 2023.
  • The guide gives practical advice for identifying, preventing, and fixing mould problems and explains likely health effects and who is more at risk.
• Appointments:
  • The Privy Council Office listed many open Governor‑in‑Council appointment opportunities and invited applications.

Who's affected#

• Businesses that make, import, or use chemicals, especially those that handled or reported ETU or related fungicides.
• Manufacturers and sellers of rubber and plastic products where ETU might be present as an impurity or residue.
• People living or working in buildings with dampness or visible mould: homeowners, renters, landlords, and building managers.
• Scientists, industry stakeholders, and animal‑welfare groups interested in how chemical safety testing rules may change.
• Canadians interested in federal board, agency, or Crown corporation appointments.

Why it matters#

• The ETU decision means no new federal controls on this substance right now, but regulators flagged the chemical’s harmful properties elsewhere and may watch it if use rises.
• Changes to the new‑substances rules could reduce animal testing and allow modern lab or computer‑based methods to be used more often. That could change what data companies must submit to bring new chemicals into Canada.
• The mould guide gives plain‑language steps people can use to reduce health risks from damp buildings. That can help tenants, owners, and public‑health workers deal with common housing problems.
• The appointments notice is a routine way the government seeks candidates for many public roles; it is one route for Canadians to apply for leadership positions.