US, Canada Agree To Reduce Some Chemicals In Great Lakes

The United States and Canada have agreed on a set of eight chemicals in the Great Lakes that the countries will try to reduce.

The so-called “chemicals of mutual concern” under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement include longtime threats like mercury and PCBs. Some environmental advocates, including Jennifer Caddick of the Alliance for the Great Lakes, say the list is not a surprise. But she said it should also include chemicals that have recently emerged as potential threats like some found in anti-microbial soaps.

“There is a lot of evidence already out there that these are concerning chemicals,” said Caddick. “There will always be some level of uncertainty.”

Officials from the U.S. and Canada said they’re taking nominations for additions to the list and they hope to reduce exposure to the eight compounds already targeted.