Should Industrial Chemicals Called Chlorinated Alkanes Be Banned?
Official title: Consultation Document on the Risk Management of Short-chain, Medium-chain and Long-chain chlorinated alkanes
The government wants to ban certain industrial chemicals found in metalworking fluids, plastics, paints, and flame retardants. Short-chain chlorinated alkanes are already prohibited. Now medium-chain and long-chain versions are on the chopping block because they're toxic to the environment.
Why This Matters
These chemicals show up in everyday products—from the rubber in your car to the paint on your walls. They persist in the environment and can build up in wildlife. If you work in manufacturing or use industrial products, this could change what's available to you.
What Could Change
Medium-chain and long-chain chlorinated alkanes could be added to Canada's banned substances list. That means manufacturers couldn't make, import, use, or sell them—or products containing them. Exports would also be controlled.
Key Issues
- Should medium-chain and long-chain chlorinated alkanes be prohibited?
- What concentration thresholds should apply to short-chain and medium-chain versions?
- Should these substances be added to the Export Control List?
How to Participate
- Read the Consultation Document on the Risk Management of Chlorinated Alkanes to understand the proposed ban.
- Email your comments to interdiction-prohibition@ec.gc.ca with "Consultation Document on the Risk Management of Chlorinated Alkanes" in the subject line.