Canada Proposes Addition of Phenol, Methylstyrenated (MSP) to CEPA Schedule 1 Following Updated Draft Assessment

On January 17, 2026, the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health of Canada published a summary of the updated draft assessment for phenol, methylstyrenated (MSP) (CAS RN 68512-30-1) under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). Based on new information from Significant New Activity Notifications, the assessment proposes that MSP meets the criteria under section 64(a) of CEPA due to potential harmful effects on the environment, particularly aquatic organisms, arising from persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. Consequently, the ministers propose recommending the addition of MSP to Part 1 of Schedule 1 of CEPA. While environmental risks were identified, the assessment concludes that MSP does not pose a risk to human health, with estimated exposures—primarily via drinking water—considered adequately controlled. A revised risk management scope document has also been released to support stakeholder engagement on potential regulatory measures. A 60-day public consultation period is open from January 17 to March 18, 2026.