Canadian Facts about Household Cleaning Products

Household cleaning products keep your family healthy and safe

Household cleaning products include all-purpose cleaners, polishes, wipes and dust-removal products. The regular use of these products extends the life of your furniture, flooring and appliances as well as keeping them clean and fresh-smelling.

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How household cleaning products are regulated in Canada

The ingredients in household cleaning products are regulated under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) by Environment Canada and Health Canada. CEPA is “An Act respecting pollution prevention and the protection of the environment and human health in order to contribute to sustainable development.” The brochure “Assessing Chemicals in Canada for Risk: Protecting the Health of Canadians and their Environment” describes how processes under CEPA scientifically consider, in a comprehensive way, chemicals that are used in Canada and how they are managed to protect the health of Canadians and their environment. On December 8, 2006, the government announced a comprehensive plan for chemicals. For more information on this process, go to this excellent website: Chemical Substances.

Under CEPA, the New Substances Notification Regulations ensure that all new ingredients (substances) are assessed for their potential to harm human health or the environment. These regulations are also applied to new substances used in products regulated under the Food and Drugs Act.

The new Act – the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act and the Consumer Chemicals and Containers Regulations, 2001 regulate the way these products are packaged and labelled.

The advertisement and sale of household cleaning products are regulated under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act and the Consumer Chemicals and Containers Regulations, 2001 (CCCR, 2001) by Health Canada. Products regulated under this legislation are subject to packaging requirements and must use precautionary labelling to ensure that consumers are aware of the potential hazards if the products are not used correctly and safely. For additional information, visit Health Canada’s Consumer Product Safety webpage.