The Government of Canada is taking the next step to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals”, which is a large class of extremely persistent human-made substances used in a wide range of everyday products, including food packaging, drugs, cosmetics, non-stick cookware, vehicles, and electronics. Worldwide, PFAS can be found in the air, groundwater, oceans, lakes, rivers, and soil, as well as in wastewater and sewage sludge.
“Our government is hard at work to protect the health of Canadians and the environment by taking a precautionary science-based approach,” said Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “Given the thousands of substances in the class of PFAS and their evolving uses, it is imperative that we continue engaging Canadians and the scientific community as we deliver new tools to secure a cleaner environment for all. The information we’ve collected over the past years has allowed us to inform our actions to protect the environment and human health.”
Based on the latest available science, the Government has published an updated Draft State of PFAS Report and a revised Risk Management Scope. The Report proposes to conclude that the class of PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers, is entering or may enter the environment at levels that are or may be harmful to human health and the environment
The government is proposing a separate assessment to examine the exposure and hazard profile of fluoropolymers. This updated draft report aligns with evidence suggesting that fluoropolymers may have different exposure and hazard profiles than other PFAS. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the Minister of Health will also consider whether fluoropolymers are possible candidates to the Watch List under section 75.1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) that will help importers, manufacturers, and Canadian consumers to select safer alternatives and avoid regrettable substitutions—replacing one problem chemical with another that, in turn, becomes a problem. Canadians will be consulted on the process for additions to the Watch List in the near future.
The revised Risk Management Scope proposes a phased approach, starting with a regulation to restrict PFAS not already regulated in firefighting foams, followed by additional measures to prohibit other uses or sectors in relation to PFAS.
The Government will continue to take a science-based approach to protect the health of Canadians and the environment. Interested parties and stakeholders are invited to comment on this update until September 11, 2024.
“PFAS, or forever chemicals, are found nearly everywhere in the environment and the research indicates that these chemicals can have detrimental impacts on our health, including effects on the liver, kidney, thyroid, reproduction and development, and immune and nervous systems. Addressing PFAS as a class will allow the Government of Canada to continue to take concrete action to protect Canadians and their environment from harmful exposure to these chemicals.”
– The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health
