Should Manganese Be Listed as a Toxic Substance Under CEPA?
Official title: Draft Assessment for Manganese and its Compounds, and the Risk Management Scope
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 manganese to the official list of toxic substances under Canadian environmental law. 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 the nervous system, especially in workers and people near industrial sites. If you live near a mine, smelter, or manufacturing plant, this decision could affect local air and water quality.
What Could Change
If manganese is added to Schedule 1 of CEPA, the government can create binding regulations to limit releases from industrial sources. New pollution prevention plans may be required for facilities that use or emit manganese. Stricter limits on manganese in products or emissions could follow.
Key Issues
- Should manganese and its compounds be added to the list of toxic substances under CEPA?
- Are the scientific findings in the draft assessment accurate and complete?
- What risk management measures should be developed for manganese?
How to Participate
- Review the draft assessment and the risk management scope documents.
- Submit 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.
Submit Your Input
Questions Being Asked (3)
- Do you agree with the proposed conclusion that manganese and its compounds meet the criteria for toxicity under section 64 of CEPA?
- Do you have comments on the scientific considerations in the draft assessment?
- What risk management measures should be considered for manganese?