Should Manganese Compounds Be Listed as Toxic Under Environmental Law?

Official title: Publication after assessment of manganese and its compounds, including those specified on the Domestic Substances List and those identified for further consideration following prioritization of the Revised In Commerce List (section 77 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999)

Open Regulations & Permits Environment & Climate Health & Safety
The government has assessed manganese and its compounds and found they may be harmful to human health and the environment. They're proposing to add these substances to the official list of toxic substances under Canadian environmental law. This would allow the government to regulate how manganese is used and released.

Why This Matters

Manganese is everywhere—in steel, batteries, and even some drinking water. If it's listed as toxic, new rules could affect what products contain it and how industries handle it. Workers in mining and manufacturing could see new safety requirements.

What Could Change

If approved, manganese compounds would be added to Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. This triggers the government's authority to create binding regulations on how these substances are manufactured, used, and released. Industries using manganese could face new reporting requirements and emission limits.

Key Issues

  • Should manganese and its compounds be officially listed as toxic substances?
  • What risk management measures should be developed for manganese?
  • Is the scientific assessment of manganese's health and environmental risks accurate?

How to Participate

  1. Review the draft assessment and risk management scope documents to understand the scientific basis for the proposal.
  2. Submit written comments by email to substances@ec.gc.ca or through Environment and Climate Change Canada's Single Window). Cite "Canada Gazette, Part I, October 25, 2025" in your submission.

Submit Your Input

Submit Through Eccc Single Window Draft Email
Questions Being Asked (3)
  1. Do you agree with the proposed conclusion that manganese and its compounds meet the criteria for toxicity under section 64 of CEPA?
  2. What comments do you have on the scientific considerations in the draft assessment?
  3. What risk management options should be considered for manganese and its compounds?

Key Documents