Final Assessment

5. Conclusion

5.1 Conclusion under CEPA

Based upon the adequacy of the MOEs between estimates of aggregated exposure to triclosan and critical effect levels, it is concluded that triclosan is not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health, and thus does not meet the criteria under paragraph 64(c) of CEPA.

Considering all available lines of evidence presented in this assessment, there is risk of harm to organisms but not to the broader integrity of the environment from triclosan. It is concluded that triclosan meets the criteria under paragraph 64(a) of CEPA as it is entering or may enter the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that have or may have an immediate or long-term harmful effect on the environment or its biological diversity. However, it is concluded that triclosan does not meet the criteria under paragraph 64(b) of CEPA as it is not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger to the environment on which life depends. Therefore, it is concluded that triclosan meets one or more the criteria set out in section 64 of CEPA.

Even though it is continuously present in the environment, triclosan has been determined not to meet the persistence criteria as set out in the Persistence and Bioaccumulation Regulations of CEPA. Similarly, while triclosan accumulates in organisms to levels that can cause adverse effects, it does not meet the bioaccumulation criteria as set out in the Persistence and Bioaccumulation Regulations of CEPA.

5.2 Status under PCPA

The Canadian registrants voluntarily discontinued the sale of pest control products containing triclosan. Consequently, as of December 31, 2014, triclosan is no longer registered in Canada as a pest control product.

This assessment report does not include a conclusion under PCPA for these products.