Categorization of the Domestic Substances List (DSL)
Environment Canada and Health Canada are responsible for completing the
categorization of the Domestic Substances List (DSL) under the Canadian EnvironmentalProtection Act (CEPA) by September 14, 2006. Both departments have accomplished a great deal in a short time frame and have developed processes that will be used for identifying and assessing thousands of substances. Many of these substances have little or no toxicity or exposure data and have not been assessed for hazard to humans or to the environment, making the job tough. The methods developed may serve as models for other countries interested in addressing the problem of lack of toxicity data for substances.
The long term goal for Canada should be a shift from the current approach of government holding responsibility to demonstrate and provide evidence of harm to a reverse onus obligation where manufacturers and importers of substances are required to submit toxicity and other data demonstrating that substances on the DSL pose no harm to humans or to our environment. In addition, both departments should foster the development of safe alternatives and the use of clean technologies.
