VOCs: Regulations Limit VOCs in Paints

Today's Canada Gazette contained the Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Concentration Limits for Architectural Coatings Regulations (made under CEPA). The Regulations place VOC concentration limits on 53 categories of architectural coatings (i.e., the finished products). The Regulations prohibit the manufacture, sale or offer for sale or import of architectural coatings with concentrations of VOCs in excess of the category-specific limits. There is a phase-in period for the Regulations, allowing for product sell-through.

US EPA: Major Regulatory Announcement

Yesterday, the US EPA released a set of "Essential Principles for Reform of Chemicals Management Legislation". These principles will be aimed at revising the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The EPA also posted characterization information on 100 high production volume substances, and indicated that in the in the interim, the EPA would begin analysis of six high-profile chemicals that have been the subject of recent regulatory scrutiny (e.g., Bisphenol-A, phthalates, PBDEs, perfluorinated compounds, some parafins, and benzidine dyes and pigments). The EPA is gathering data from industry on the six chemicals in order to assess their safety and develop exposure management plans. More information can be found here.

Fluoride in Drinking Water: Debate in Region of Waterloo

Water fluoridation is an issue that has arisen from time to time in a number of Canadian municipalities. Councillors in the City of Waterloo voted yesterday to begin discussions with the Region of Waterloo on the design of a public process to consider the pros and cons of fluoride in drinking water. The issue of water fluoridation will be the subject of a plebiscite in the 2010 municipal election in Waterloo. Provincial legislation permits municipalities to add fluoride.

Media: OpEd on "Risk Communications"

Here is the link to an opinion piece by Howard Mains (Co-President of Tactix Government Consulting Inc.) that appeared in today's National Post.

PCBs: US EPA Provides Guide on PCBs in Caulk

This past week, the US Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") provided issued guidance documents to building owners and school administrators aimed at reducing exposure to PCBs that may be found in caulk in buildings constructed or renovated between 1950 and 1978. The EPA also stated that it was undertaking new research on the risks associated with caulk containing PCBs, which would enable the EPA to make further recommendations regarding long-term management of the issue.

Chemicals Management Plan: Batch 12 Substances Finalized

Yesterday, the Canadian government released the final list of substances in Batch 12 of the Chemicals Management Plan. The list of 16 substances includes trisiloxane, quartz and carbon black.

PCBs: New Amending Regulations

The Canadian government yesterday released a proposed regulation that would amend the PCB REgulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 ("CEPA"). The proposed regulation would allow for the on-site destruction of PCBs, and would require reporting for solid products containing PCBs and end-of-use dates for pole-top transformers and light ballasts at less than 50 mg/kg. The proposed regulation would not change the deadlines for final destruction of PCBs or elimination from use.