Toxic substances list: respirable particulate matter
Particulate matter can be emitted directly into the atmosphere or formed secondarily from precursor gases as a result of physical and chemical transformations. Particulate matter may include a broad range of chemical species, such as elemental carbon and organic carbon compounds, oxides of silicon, aluminum and iron, trace metals, sulphates, nitrates and ammonia. It is ubiquitous, being emitted from both natural and anthropogenic sources. The fine fraction of particulate matter and its precursor gases originate typically from combustion processes - motor vehicles, industrial processes and vegetative burning. The available data indicate that source contributions to primary PM emissions and precursor gases in Canada vary by province/territory and by region. Industrial sources provide a major contribution in most provinces, followed by non-industrial fuel combustion and the transportation sector. Long-range transport from industrial regions of the United States makes a major contribution to levels of particulate matter in some regions of Canada.
CAS number not applicable.
Risk assessment
- Priority Substances List Assessment Report
- Order Adding Toxic Substances to Schedule 1 to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
- CEPA 1999 Schedule 1 - List of Toxic Substances - This substance has been added to the List of Toxic Substances. It is entering or may enter the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that:
c)constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health. - Full life cycle management of the substance (Track 2) under the Toxic Substances Management Policy
Sources
This substance is entering the environment from the following source(s):
Risk management tools
Tool(s) developed to manage risks associated with the substance:
- New Source Emission Guidelines for Thermal Electricity Generation
- Canada-Wide Standards for Particulate Matter (PM) and Ozone
- On-Road Vehicle and Engine Emission Regulations
- Sulphur in Diesel Fuel Regulations
- Sulphur in Gasoline Regulations
- Off-Road Small Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations
- Pollution Prevention Planning Notices - Base Metals Smelters and Refineries and Zinc Plants
Consultation
Consultation (past and present) on the substance:
Other information
Contact
Substances Management Information Line
Chemicals Management Plan
Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3
Telephone: 1-800-567-1999 (in Canada) or 819-938-3232
Fax: 819-938-3231
Email: eccc.substances.eccc@canada.ca