Chlorinated paraffins: preface

Preface

Following the assessment of chlorinated paraffins conducted under the first Priority Substances List (PSL1), available data were considered inadequate to evaluate whether medium and long chain chlorinated paraffins were considered to be “toxic” as defined under section 11 of the 1988 Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA 1988). While information on the environmental effects of short-chain chlorinated paraffins was considered insufficient to conclude whether they were “toxic” under Paragraph 11(a) of CEPA 1988, this group of substances was considered “toxic” to human health under Paragraph 11(c) of CEPA 1988. In updating the assessments of medium and long chain chlorinated paraffins, included herein, more recent data on the effects of short-chain chlorinated paraffins on human health and on the environment were also examined.

In this report, the impact of critical new data on the initial assessment under CEPA 1988 is considered. These data are presented separately for the environmental and health effects, but cross-referenced, where appropriate. Information relevant to assessment of effects on the environment is presented initially, followed by information relevant to assessment of effects on human health.