The 2012 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement requires the United States and Canada to identify Chemicals of Mutual Concern that are potentially harmful to human health or the environment and that originate from anthropogenic sources. Pursuant to the Agreement, these substances will be targeted for binational action. The first group of Chemicals of Mutual Concern have been identified through a binationally agreed upon multi-stakeholder process.
Canada and the United States are designating the following chemicals as the first set of Chemicals of Mutual Concern under the Agreement (in alphabetical order):
- Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD)
- Long-Chain Perfluorinated carboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs)
- Mercury
- Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
- Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)
- Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
- Short-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (SCCPs)
This effort was led by the Chemicals of Mutual Concern Annex Sub-committee, based on advice from experts from government, industry, environmental non-government organizations, and academia.
Binational strategies, which may include research, monitoring, surveillance and pollution prevention and control provisions, will be prepared for the above Chemicals of Mutual Concern.