Share your thoughts: Consultation document on the risk management of short-chain, medium-chain and long-chain chlorinated alkanes

Current status: Open

The Government of Canada published a Consultation Document on the Risk Management of Short-chain, Medium-chain and Long-chain Chlorinated Alkanes on February 13, 2025. The publication of the consultation document is followed by a 60-day comment period from February 13, 2025, to April 14, 2025.

Background

Chlorinated alkanes (CAs), also referred to as chlorinated paraffins, are chlorinated hydrocarbons (n-alkanes) that can have carbon chain lengths from 10 to 38 and varying chlorine contents. Short-chain chlorinated alkanes (SCCAs) have carbon chains containing 10-13 carbon atoms, medium-chain chlorinated alkanes (MCCAs) have carbon chains containing 14-17 carbon atoms, and long-chain chlorinated alkanes (LCCAs) have carbon chains containing 18 or more carbon atoms. Known uses of SCCAs include metalworking fluids, plastics and rubbers, flame retardants, paints and coatings, and adhesives and sealants. Known uses of MCCAs and LCCAs in Canada include uses in metalworking fluids, rubber/elastomers, adhesives and sealants, paints and coatings, polyvinyl chloride, inks and air filters.

A screening assessment of SCCAs, MCCAs and LCCAs up to 20 carbon atoms concluded that these groups of substances meet criteria for toxicity set out under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). Subsequently, SCCAs were prohibited through the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012. The consultation document intends to (1) inform stakeholders and solicit comments on the proposed regulatory approach to prohibit the manufacture, import, use and sale of MCCAs and LCCAs up to 20 carbon atoms, and products containing them through their addition to the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012; (2) solicit information regarding concentration thresholds for SCCAs and MCCAs; and (3) outline and solicit comments on the proposed regulatory approach to control the exports of SCCAs, MCCAs and LCCAs up to 20 carbon atoms through their addition to the Export Control List (ECL) in Schedule 3 to CEPA. Comments received will be considered in the development of proposed risk management actions.

Join in: How to participate

By email

Send an email with your ideas or comments to make yourself heard using the contact information below.

Please include “Consultation Document on the Risk Management of Chlorinated Alkanes” in the subject line of your email.

By mail

Send a letter with your ideas and input to the address in contact information below.

Please include “Consultation Document on the Risk Management of Chlorinated Alkanes” in the subject line of your letter.

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Who is the focus of this consultation

We would like to hear from:

Industry stakeholders and association members
Indigenous Peoples
Federal, territorial, provincial and municipal governmental organizations
Non-governmental organizations
Interested people in Canada

Related information

Contact us

By mail

Risk Management, Persistent organic pollutants, PFAS and Asbestos
Chemicals Management Division
Environment and Climate Change Canada
351 St. Joseph Blvd
Gatineau QC K1A 0H3