Canada’s model Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) faces its toughest test in the months ahead as it tackles the second half of its second phase (CMP2). At issue at the halfway point in CMP2, is whether regulators and stakeholders can develop the data and methodologies to assess risk for groups of chemicals with significant information gaps and manage those health and environmental risks. CMP2 advances the accomplishments of CMP1, such as developing an inventory of existing chemicals, and anticipates the third and final phase of the 15-year plan to regulate chemicals in the second largest country in the world. The management plan is also addressing questions about the risk assessment and management of polymers, which make up about 14% of the 4,300 chemicals in commercial use in the country. |
