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Canada Takes Steps to Regulate ‘Forever Chemicals’

The federal government of Canada has announced its intention to designate a group of persistent pollutants, known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), as toxic. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the environmental and health risks associated with these chemicals, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” The government plans to initiate consultations within two years to explore further regulation of PFAS in various consumer products, including cosmetics and food packaging.

On Wednesday, the government released its final report outlining the management of PFAS risks. These substances are notorious for their durability, making them pervasive in the environment, where they can be found in soil, water, and even human blood, due to their resistance to breaking down. The report asserts that PFAS fulfill the criteria for a toxic designation under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA).

Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault emphasized the significance of this regulatory approach, stating that it is unprecedented because it targets the entire PFAS class rather than addressing individual substances. However, the report notably excludes fluoropolymers, such as Teflon, due to concerns about their differing risk profiles. This exclusion has drawn criticism from environmental organizations while being welcomed by segments of the chemical industry.

Since their introduction in the mid-20th century, PFAS have been utilized for their unique properties, such as resistance to heat, grease, and water. They are commonly found in products like non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, water-repellent outerwear, firefighting foams, and various food packaging materials. Due to the strong molecular bonds present in these chemicals, they decompose extremely slowly, leading to their accumulation in the ecosystem and potential links to serious health issues such as cancer, hormonal disruptions, liver damage, and immune system complications.

Environmental and Health Implications

The contamination of PFAS is typically concentrated around industrial sites, waste disposal areas, and locations utilizing firefighting foams, including airport training zones. However, their persistent nature allows them to disperse widely, resulting in broader ecological impacts.

Although Canada has some regulations pertaining to specific PFAS, environmental advocates argue that substitutions have emerged, which could continue the cycle of exposure. Since 2021, the government has been evaluating a comprehensive approach to regulate the entire class of PFAS rather than assessing each chemical individually.

Environmental groups welcomed the announcement, viewing it as a crucial initial step towards more stringent controls on PFAS usage. Cassie Barker from Environmental Defence dubbed it a “critical first step” and criticized the industry for prioritizing profits over public health, noting the long-known dangers these chemicals pose.

A Path Forward

The government has committed to a 60-day consultation period, concluding in early May, to finalize the toxic designation for PFAS, with fluoropolymers being excluded. Following this, the government plans a phased approach to manage PFAS risks, beginning with regulations on their use in firefighting foams, with new rules anticipated by 2027.

Subsequent consultations will focus on regulating PFAS in consumer goods like cosmetics, food packaging, paints, and textiles; however, the timeline for these regulations remains unspecified. The final phase of the strategy will examine the use of PFAS in products with limited alternatives, including certain pharmaceuticals and medical devices, but no timeline has been established for those discussions.

The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada has expressed support for the government’s decision to treat fluoropolymers separately and highlighted the essential role of other PFAS in various industrial sectors, including electric vehicles and pharmaceuticals. The international response to PFAS continues to evolve, with the European Union and various states in the U.S. moving toward restrictions on their usage. In California and New York, for instance, PFAS will be banned in apparel by January 2025, while Europe is phasing out these substances except for essential applications.

Health Canada has previously proposed limits for PFAS in drinking water and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has established interim standards for their presence in fertilizer, marking a growing recognition of the need to address the risks associated with these enduring chemicals.

Source
globalnews.ca