Silicones Industry Welcomes Canada's Environment Minister's Decision Confirming that D5 is Safe for the Environment

Independent scientific panel report leads to material being removed from proposed list of toxic substances

HERNDON, VA, Feb. 29, 2012 /CNW/ - The Silicone Environmental Health & Safety Council of North America (SEHSC) commends the Canadian Environment Minister's decision to implement the findings of an independent scientific panel that concluded that Siloxane D₅ is safe for the environment. D₅ is a widely used silicone material that can be found in a variety of consumer and industrial products, such as shampoo, tires, cooking utensils, and industrial sealants.

As a result of the Minister's acceptance of the "Board of Review" (BOR) findings, D₅ will be removed from a proposed list of toxic substances under the Canadian Environment Protection Act (CEPA).  Prior to the Board of Review being established, Health Canada had already determined that D5 was safe for human health.

The Board of Review was composed of a panel of three renowned toxicologists appointed by the Canadian Environment Minister.  The panel conducted a comprehensive scientific evaluation to assess the behavior of D₅ in the environment. The Board's report, which was released in October of 2011, concluded that "Siloxane D₅ does not pose a danger to the environment or its biological diversity."  Furthermore, the Board found that "based on the information presented, Siloxane D₅ will not pose a danger to the environment or its biological diversity in the future."

"The silicones industry welcomes the Minister's declaration that D₅ is safe for the environment and fully supports the removal of D5 from a proposed list of toxic substances," said Karluss Thomas, Executive Director of SEHSC. "The Minister's decision to establish this independent Board of Review is a clear example of Canada's global leadership to ensure that sound science is used to assess the risks associated with industrial chemicals."

For more than 30 years, SEHSC has promoted the safe use of silicones through product stewardship and environmental, health and safety research. The findings of the independent Canadian Board of Review are consistent with real-world studies that have found that silicones do not accumulate in the food chain and do not do not pose a danger to the environment.

"This decision is a validation of the necessity for sound science to provide the basis for effective chemicals management policy," Thomas said. "The silicones industry remains committed to ensuring the health and environmental safety of its materials. This process allows silicones, like D₅, to contribute to a strong economy, inspire ongoing innovation and enhance products consumers depend on every day."

For more information about the Board of Review, please visit: http://www.cdr-siloxaned5-bor.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=70551E34-1.

For further information:

Karluss Thomas
703-788-6570