The federal government plans to add two silicon-based chemicals, which are found in shampoo, soap, antiperspirant and hundreds of other personal-care products, to its toxic chemicals list after tests showed they pose a danger to wildlife.
The substances, known as D4 and D5, "are not a concern for human health based on the amount of these substances that an individual would be exposed to through the use of various products, including personal care products," says a statement on Environment Canada's website.
However, tests found that because the substances are so prevalent -- they are also used to make industrial products, including textiles, paints and plastics -- they seep into the environment in large quantities, where they can harm fish and other aquatic organisms.
Therefore, the government will propose setting limits on how much of the chemical can be present in products, and how much can be released into the environment during the manufacturing process.
"This is the first step toward regulating these harmful chemicals," Aaron Freeman, policy director of Environmental Defence, said in a statement. "We urge the government to go the distance by getting these chemicals off the market."
