Summary of public comments received on the Draft screening assessment for acetic acid
Comments on the Draft Screening Assessment for Acetic Acid, assessed under the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP), were received by Canadian Consumer Specialty Products Association (CCSPA) and an individual. Summarized public comments and responses from the Government of Canada are provided below, organized by topic.
Sources and releases
| Summarized comment | Summarized response |
|---|---|
| Additional sources of human and ecological exposure for acetic acid should be considered in the screening assessment. | Given the low hazard potential of this substance, quantitative exposure estimates were not derived, and the risk to human health and the environment is considered to be low. |
Occupational exposure
| Summarized comment | Summarized response |
|---|---|
It is recommended that information on health effects from occupational exposures be included in the screening assessment. Also, workers should be aware of the health effects caused by long-term exposure to acetic acid. Informing manufacturers and industries of the occupational standards to be followed for acetic acid would be beneficial. | Screening assessments conducted under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 are based on the best available information. Under the Chemicals Management Plan, screening assessments focus on risks of exposure to the general population, rather than risks of exposures in the workplace. Hazards related to chemicals used in the workplace are defined within the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). The Government of Canada is currently working with the provinces and territories to explore ways to enhance the protection of workers from exposure to chemicals by integrating and leveraging the information, tools, and/or technical expertise of the Chemicals Management Plan and Health Canada’s Workplace Hazardous Products Program. |
Consultations and stakeholder engagement
| Summarized comment | Summarized response |
|---|---|
| Stakeholders remain available should further input be required in the finalization of the assessment. | Noted. |