Toxic substances: reducing the threat

Terms of Reference for the Toxics Reduction Scientific Expert Panel

Premier McGuinty has committed to develop an Ontario Toxics Reduction Strategy.  The strategy will include the introduction of proposed new toxics reduction legislation that would reduce pollution and inform and protect Ontarians from toxic chemicals in the air, water, land and consumer products.  Commitments have been outlined in the recent platform, news releases, and the Speech from the Throne.

To support this strategy, the government has committed to:  “appoint an expert medical and scientific panel to advise which toxics should be the focus of immediate attention, action and reductions as the new toxic reduction legislation is developed.  An early priority for this group will be to provide recommendations on how best to address bisphenol-A …”

Mandate of the Panel

The government is seeking to draw on the skills, experience, and perspectives of representatives from the medical, scientific and academic communities with expertise in medical science, cancer/carcinogens, human development (e.g. fetal, child), toxicology, public health, occupational health, environmental health and green chemistry to assist with the development of Ontario’s Toxics Reduction Strategy.

The mandate of the Panel is to:

• Review a list of priority toxics for immediate action and recommend any additional toxics of concern, including early advice on how best to address bisphenol-A in consumer products;
• Provide ongoing advice on the assessment, management, prioritization, and substitution of toxics that are emitted into the environment (i.e. air, water, land and consumer products) by reviewing scientific and medical evidence regarding effects and exposure to various toxics;
• Where there is evidence of a serious risk to human health or the environment, the Panel should consider what actions can be taken in accordance with the precautionary principle; and
• The Panel will take on the preceding work, any additional matters, and report back to the Minister as directed by the Minister of the Environment.
• The advice of the Panel will be considered by government in the development of the Toxics Reduction Strategy, which will include proposed new legislation which, if passed, would reduce pollution and inform and protect Ontarians from toxic chemicals in the air, water, land, and consumer products.  The strategy will also include an approach to addressing bisphenol-A in consumer products.

When formulating its advice, the Panel will consider, but not be limited to, information such as:

• Assessment reports provided by governments or by other jurisdictions;
• Peer-reviewed literature regarding toxicity and exposure, or other literature deemed important by the Panel;
• Release inventories;
• Environmental monitoring data;
• Input from various experts and stakeholders, engaged in broader consultations to provide information and the range of perspectives on a subject to the panel; and,
• Scientific data related to risks and exposure to bisphenol-A.

It is also anticipated that staff from Health Canada will be invited to assist the panel / share information on an as-needed basis.

Objectives and Expected Outcomes

• The Panel is responsible for providing advice to the Minister of the Environment on the key areas described below.

1.  Identify Priority Toxics for Immediate Attention

• The Panel will review lists of substances of known concern provided by the Ministry, provide advice on actions that may further reduce releases and/or exposure, and rank their priority for attention.

2. Provide Ongoing Advice on the Assessment, Management, Prioritization and  Substitution of Toxics

• The Panel will review available toxicity and exposure information for bisphenol-A in consumer products and, based on their findings on risks to the Ontario public and the environment, recommend to the Ministry how best to address bisphenol-A.
• The panel will review a list of substances of emerging concern in Ontario and advise the Ministry regarding assessment and/or action that may be taken to determine risk to Ontarians and/or to reduce releases and exposure.

3. Additional Work Areas

• The Ministry may identify other areas where it requires the Panel’s advice throughout the process.