Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of more than 15,000 human-made substances that have the same portion of chemical structure. These substances are sometimes referred to as "forever chemicals" as they do not break down easily and remain in the environment for long periods of time. Due to their properties, such as the ability to repel oil and water, PFAS are used in a range of products and commercial applications, as well as in industrial sectors.
The broad use of PFAS, their ability to move locally and over long ranges, and their presence throughout the environment have resulted in continuous environmental and human exposure. In humans, exposure to PFAS can affect multiple organs and systems including the liver, kidneys, thyroid, immune system, nervous system, metabolism and body weight, and reproduction and development. In the environment, effects of PFAS on wildlife include toxicity to the immune and nervous systems, and general effects on growth, reproduction and development. It has also been shown that certain PFAS may build up in living organisms and magnify up the food chain.
Given their extreme persistence and broad range of uses, leading to continued releases to the environment, the amount of PFAS in the environment is expected to increase. Increasing evidence indicates that concerns associated with well-studied PFAS may be more broadly applicable to other PFAS than previously believed, making it necessary to take a proactive approach to risk management while considering economic impacts.
State of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Report
The Government of Canada is publishing the State of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Report. This report follows public consultations for the Draft State of PFAS Report, launched in May 2023, and the Updated Draft State of PFAS Report, launched in July 2024, during which over 400 stakeholders provided input.
Following the latest science, the Government of Canada has examined PFAS as a class of substances. The class of PFAS is comprised of substances meeting the broad chemical definition by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. There is an increasing body of scientific evidence suggesting that concerns identified for human health and the environment for well-studied PFAS are more broadly applicable to other PFAS. A class approach can help prevent the substitution of one regulated PFAS by an unregulated PFAS that potentially possesses similar hazardous properties.
Based on latest science and evidence, this report concludes that the class of PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers as defined in the report, is toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). This report concludes that PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers, meet two criteria under section 64 of CEPA:
- They are entering or may enter the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that have or may have immediate or long-term harmful effects on the environment or its biological diversity; and
- They are entering or may enter the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health.
The conclusion of the report provides a science-based foundation for future actions and consultations with industry and other stakeholders.
The State of PFAS Report defines fluoropolymers as one group of polymeric PFAS. However, these have been excluded from the report at this time, as current evidence suggests they may have different exposure and hazard profiles compared to other PFAS. The Government will study these substances further to ensure informed decision-making.
Given the conclusion of the State of PFAS Report, the Government of Canada is proposing to add the class of PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers, to Part 2 of Schedule 1 to CEPA. This action will enable targeted and phased approaches to risk management while safeguarding public health and the environment.
Proposed actions on PFAS-Risk Management Approach
The Government of Canada recognizes that there are numerous uses of PFAS and that they are used in a wide array of sectors of the economy. Certain uses may be critical for safety, health, or economic reasons, and industry will have opportunities to engage and identify practical alternatives. This approach not only protects health and the environment but also supports the competitiveness of Canadian industries while they are finding safer alternatives.
To determine actions for the class of PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers, the Government is publishing a proposed Risk Management Approach with the following environmental and health risk management objectives:
- To reduce releases of PFAS into the Canadian environment to avoid adverse effects in a manner that balances environmental protection with economic feasibility
- To reduce human exposure to PFAS, including disproportionately impacted populations
To achieve these objectives and reduce environmental and human exposure to the lowest levels that are technically feasible, the Government proposes to prioritize action through a phased approach:
- Phase 1: Address PFAS in firefighting foams (not currently regulated), due to high potential for environmental and human exposure
- Phase 2: Address the uses of PFAS in consumer products where alternatives exist, such as certain textiles, ski waxes, building materials, and food packaging materials
- Phase 3: Evaluate sectors requiring further consideration through stakeholder engagement and further assessments
The Risk Management Approach will be open for consultation to all interested parties from March 8 until May 7, 2025.
Acting on PFAS in Canada
To protect the health of Canadians and ecosystems, the Government has been acting on PFAS. Following scientific assessments in 2006 and 2012, three subgroups of PFAS (perfluorooctane sulfonate [PFOS], perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA] and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids [LC-PFCAs], their salts, and their precursors) were addressed through the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012. To further address these three PFAS subgroups, the Government plans to publish an update to these regulations in 2025.
Starting in 2025, 163 PFAS will be added to the National Pollutant Release Inventory to enhance understanding of their use and impacts. This will provide information into how PFAS are manufactured, processed, or used in quantities exceeding 1 kg. The information collected will improve knowledge of PFAS and complement the proposed Risk Management Approach, which is focused on finished products.
To reduce exposure to PFAS, Health Canada released the final objective for PFAS in Canadian drinking water in August 2024.
Activities are also being undertaken under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement to reduce releases of these substances into the Great Lakes.
In June 2024, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency published an interim standard to limit the amount of PFAS in biosolids sold or imported as fertilizers. All domestic and imported biosolids intended for use as commercial fertilizers must have less than 50 parts per billion of perflurooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), a chemical in the PFAS class.
The Government is also continuing to take further action to reduce the environmental and human health risks from PFAS at known federal contaminated sites. This work may include, among others, providing alternative drinking water sources and cleaning up specific areas.
