Summary of Public Comments Received on the Government of Canada’s Draft Screening Assessment Report and the Risk Management Scope Document on 2-MEA (CAS No. 110-49-6)
Formal comments made during the 60-day public comment period that took place from August 23, 2008 to October 22, 2008 on the draft screening assessment report and risk management scope document on 2-methoxyethanol acetate (2-MEA), a substance included in Batch 3 of substances to be addressed as part of the Chemicals Management Plan Challenge were provided by Toxic Free Canada, Learning Disabilities Association of Canada, Chemical Sensitivities Manitoba and the Canadian Environmental Law Association.
A summary of comments and responses is included below, organized by topic:
- Risk Assessment
- Risk Management
| Topic | Comment | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Assessment | 2-MEA does meet the criteria of s. 64 of CEPA and should be listed on the Cosmetic Ingredients Hotlist as a substance that should be prohibited. | The government will take action to prevent the deliberate addition of 2-MEA to cosmetic products, in accordance with Section 16 of the Food and Drug Regulations. The Government will achieve this goal through addition of 2-MEA to the Cosmetics Hot List, and subsequent review of all cosmetic products prior to their introduction into the Canadian market under the Mandatory Notification provisions of 2-MEA of the Regulations. |
| Risk Management | 2 MEA exposures in Canada should be reduced and eliminated. | The risk management objective is to reduce or eliminate the very small amount currently in use in Canada, and to limit any future uses. As part of the risk management approach, discussions with importers and users will be investigated to reduce or eliminate use of 2-MEA in Canada. 2-MEA will also be subject to the Future Notification provision of CEPA 1999. |