Canada Releases Updated Risk Characterization and Risk Management Scopes for Flame Retardants Group

The Government of Canada has published new human health risk characterization documents and updated risk management scopes for key substances in the Flame Retardants Group, as part of ongoing assessments under the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP). The update was released on November 22, 2025, with notices appearing in the Canada Gazette, Part I (Vol. 161, No. 47).

Background

Three substances initially included in the Flame Retardants Group were later identified as low concern and assessed separately through the rapid screening process.

Focus on Ten Flame Retardants

The Flame Retardants Group comprises ten organophosphate and brominated flame retardants, which are divided into alkyl and aryl subgroups. Substances include:

• Triethyl phosphate (TEP) – CAS RN 78-40-0
• Tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP) – CAS RN 78-42-2
• Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) – CAS RN 78-51-3
• Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (BEHP) – CAS RN 298-07-7
• Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) – CAS RN 115-86-6
• Isodecyl diphenyl phosphate (IDDP) – CAS RN 29761-21-5
• Tert-butylphenyl diphenyl phosphate (BPDP) – CAS RN 56803-37-3
• Bis(tert-butylphenyl) phenyl phosphate (BDMEPPP) – CAS RN 65652-41-7
• Isopropylated triphenyl phosphate (IPPP) – CAS RN 68937-41-7
• Tetradecabromo-1,4-diphenoxybenzene (TDBDPB) – CAS RN 58965-66-5

New Findings for TPHP and TBOEP

On November 21, 2025, the government released the Human Health Risk Characterization Document for TPHP and TBOEP. The updated conclusion proposes that both substances may be harmful to human health at current exposure levels, building upon the draft assessment.

An updated Risk Management Scope outlining additional potential risk management actions for TPHP and TBOEP was also opened for a 60-day public comment period.

Screening Assessment Status

• Several substances, such as TEP, TBOEP, TPHP, BPDP, BDMEPPP, IDDP, IPPP, are proposed to meet one or more criteria under Section 64 of CEPA and may require risk management.
• Others, including TEHP, BEHP, and TDBDPB, do not meet Section 64 criteria. For TDBDPB, follow-up activities remain under consideration.

Timeline of Key Milestones

• November 2025: Anticipated publication of the final screening assessment and proposed risk management approach for the group.
• November 22, 2025: Publication of the Human Health Risk Characterization Document and updated Risk Management Scope (TPHP and TBOEP).
• June 24, 2023: Publication of section 71 information-gathering notice for TEP and IPPP (Canada Gazette, Part I).
• November 6, 2021: Draft screening assessment and initial risk management scopes are published.