OTTAWA -- The federal government announced Friday it intends to slap a toxic label on a bunch of chemicals used in everyday products from chewing gum to cosmetics, as well as in controversial devices such as silicone breast implants, because they are either harmful to human health or the environment.
The 11 chemicals include vinyl acetate, a carcinogen used as a base in chewing gum, and cyclohexasiloxane, used as building blocks of silicone used in breast implants.
If industry fails to offer new information within 60 days to reverse course, Ottawa will classify these chemicals as toxic and kick-start a process that could lead to a ban in certain products, as with bisphenol A in baby bottles.
In the case of the synthetic chemicals belonging to the cyclohexasiloxane family -- D4, D5 and D6 -- the government is proposing an additional step to ensure their virtual elimination from the environment.
In addition to being found in silicone fluids, these synthetic chemicals are found in cleaning compounds, cosmetics and personal care products, including shampoos, creams, lotions, and antiperspirants. D5, in particular, is a common ingredient to give products a silky texture.
The government concludes these synthetic chemicals do not pose a risk to human health, but rather should be declared toxic to the environment.
"Canadians expect their government to protect the environment from harmful chemicals" Environment Minister John Baird said.
Six of the 11 chemicals are flagged as toxic to human health; the government said it will work with industry to reduce exposures to two of these substances.
The announcement comes after a lengthy review of about 200 substances.
Mike Patton, spokesman for the Canadian Cosmetics, Toiletries and Fragrances Association, praised the process and welcomed the conclusions.
"There's nothing in this batch that poses a health concern for us. But our other interest is environmental impact, and we'll work with the government to minimize or eliminate entirely any environmental impact."
-- Canwest News Service
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