Should Manganese Be Listed as a Toxic Substance Under CEPA?

Official title: Draft Assessment for Manganese and its Compounds, and the Risk Management Scope

Open Regulations & Permits Environment & Climate Health & Safety
The government has assessed manganese and its compounds and concluded they may be toxic to human health and the environment. They're proposing to add manganese to the official list of toxic substances under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. This would trigger new rules to manage how manganese is used and released in Canada.

Why This Matters

Manganese is everywhere—in steel, batteries, fertilizers, and even drinking water. High exposure can affect your nervous system. If you work in manufacturing, mining, or live near industrial sites, this decision could change what protections are in place. New regulations could also affect the cost of products that contain manganese.

What Could Change

If manganese is added to Schedule 1 of CEPA, the government must develop risk management measures. This could mean new limits on industrial emissions, stricter rules for manganese in consumer products, or requirements for companies to report their manganese use. Industries using manganese—steel, batteries, welding—may face new compliance costs.

Key Issues

  • Should manganese and its compounds be added to the list of toxic substances under CEPA?
  • What risk management measures should be developed to control manganese exposure?
  • Are the scientific conclusions in the draft assessment accurate?

How to Participate

  1. Review the draft assessment and the risk management scope documents to understand the proposal.
  2. Submit your 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 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 are your views on the proposed risk management measures outlined in the risk management scope?

Key Documents