On November 4, 2026, Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada announced that, pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), talc (molecular formula Mg₃H₂(SiO₃)₄, CAS No. 14807-96-6) has been added to Part 2 of Schedule 1 of the Act, thereby formally designating it as a toxic substance.
Background
The Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act, enacted in 2023, split Schedule 1 into two parts: Part 1 focuses on the prohibition of activities, while Part 2 focuses on pollution prevention (which may also include prohibitions in certain cases).
Talc is one of the softest minerals in nature and is widely used in cosmetics, baby powder, body powder, face powder, natural health products, over-the-counter drugs, building materials, ceramics, plastics, rubber, and various other industrial and consumer products. Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada conducted an assessment of talc under the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP).
Risk Assessment Conclusions
- Ecological Assessment: Talc poses a low ecological risk and does not meet the criteria for environmental harm under paragraphs 64(a) and (b) of the Act.
- Human Health Assessment:
- Inhalation Exposure: Inhalation of dust from the use of talc-containing products such as baby powder, body powder, and loose powder may lead to non-cancerous lung injuries (e.g., inflammation, impaired lung function, or fibrosis), posing a risk to human health.
- Perineal (Genital) Exposure: There is a consistent and statistically significant positive association between perineal exposure to talc (via the use of body powder, baby powder, diaper rash creams, female antiperspirants/deodorants, etc.) and ovarian cancer.
- Oral and Dermal Contact: No critical health effects were identified.
In summary, talc meets the criteria under paragraph 64(c) of the Act—constituting a danger to human life or health—and has been added to Part 2 of Schedule 1. This Order itself does not impose new regulatory requirements on businesses; rather, it provides the legal basis for the Minister to develop risk management instruments. Public consultations and cost-benefit analyses will be conducted when specific risk management measures are developed subsequently.
