On July 23, 2025, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) released the Plan of Priorities, outlining upcoming priorities for assessing chemical substances. The plan includes over 30 substances and groups, selected based on considerations such as human health and environmental hazards, exposure and susceptibility, cumulative risks, and potential substitutes for toxic substances. Notable substances included are nanoscale silver, nanoscale zinc oxide, and nanoscale titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2), which have been found to have potential adverse effects on human health and the environment.
Nano-TiO2 has been linked to oxidative stress and toxicity in aquatic organisms, and is classified as a possible carcinogen. Nanoscale silver has been associated with reproductive and developmental effects, as well as neurotoxicity. Nanoscale zinc oxide has been found to affect aquatic organisms and may pose reproductive and developmental toxicity risks to humans. The plan was developed with input from public consultation and will be reviewed every eight years, with opportunities for comment on amendments. The goal is to assess, control, and manage risks posed by these substances to protect human health and the environment.