Canada is consulting for cumulative risk assessment on 14 phthalates. The consultation period will end on 30 September 2015.

There are 14 phthalates selected among those identified as priorities for action for the second phase of the CMP (Chemicals Management Plan) for the following reasons:

• being identified as potentially associated with reproductive and developmental effects;
• being associated with potential ecological effects of concern; and
• being identified as priorities internationally.

These include three previously assessed under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act Cepa):

• dibutyl phthalate (DBP);
• butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP); and
• diethyl hexyl phthalates (DEHP).

Health Canada expects to publish draft of screening assessment in the summer of 2016 and give its final result in 2017.