Benzene is a non-threshold toxicant - a substance for which there is considered to be some probability of harmful effects at any level of exposure. On the basis of available data, benzene is carcinogenic to humans. The implementation of the Canada-wide Standard (CWS) for Benzene will reduce Canadians’ exposure to this known human carcinogen.

A phased approach to benzene reductions was endorsed by Canadian Ministers of the Environment (except Québec) in June 2000, when Ministers ratified the Canada-wide Standard for Benzene Phase 1. Phase 2 of the Benzene CWS was endorsed by Ministers (except Québec) in October 2001. Phase 2 considers information made available since the drafting of the Phase 1 CWS, as well as co-benefits from other Canada-wide standards, which may be achieved through a multi-pollutant, sector-by-sector approach.

Each jurisdiction is required to develop an implementation plan which describes the actions taken to implement a CWS and achieve compliance by the deadline set for the standard.

Canada

Newfoundland & Labrador 

Ontario

Saskatchewan  

Yukon

Alberta

Note: As Québec is not a signatory to the Canada-wide Accord on Environmental Harmonization nor the Canada-wide Standards, Québec is not required to develop an implementation plan.