PFAS in Canada: Impacts and Regulations
By: Teah Jazey, Senior Product Safety & Regulatory Specialist, email
What are PFAS?
PFAS, or Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic compounds that have multiple fluorine ions attached. These man-made substances first became widely used in the 1940’s and are now used in a very wide variety of products worldwide. PFAS chemicals are composed of carbon-fluorine bonds that are extremely strong, leading to the term “forever chemicals”. Due to these very strong bonds, PFAS chemicals are pervasive and persistent in the environment, and as we are learning, the human body. These substances were initially used for their unique chemical properties, namely their water resistance ability.
In recent years, PFAS have been used in many applications, including industrial and consumer products. Some of the PFAS containing products include:
- firefighting foam,
- non-stick cookware,
- food packaging,
- water and stain-resistant fabrics, and
- personal care products.
The most commonly used chemicals would be PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) and PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate), though as research has progressed, these 2 substances have been replaced with other PFAS chemicals.
PFAS contamination
PFAS contamination usually comes from a few main sources. These chemicals are used in various industries, such as making coatings for textiles, fire-fighting foams, and other products. Wastewater from these industries can release PFAS into the environment. A big source of contamination is the foam used in firefighting, which can leak PFAS into the ground and water. PFAS can also be found in everyday items like stain-resistant carpets, water-repellent clothing, non-stick cookware, and food packaging. When these products break down or are thrown away, they can release PFAS. Landfills can contribute to the problem, too, as the liquid that drains from them might contain PFAS. Wastewater treatment plants can also spread PFAS if they handle contaminated materials. Additionally, runoff from agricultural areas can carry PFAS from contaminated soil or water. Because PFAS don’t break down easily, they can build up in the environment and in living things, causing long-term issues.
PFAS Impacts on the Environment
As was mentioned above, PFAS chemicals have been found to be present in many environments. Since PFAS is used in a wide array of industries, studies are beginning to find increasing quantities of PFAS in groundwater, wastewater and soils. The strong bonds mentioned earlier create difficulties both technically and feasibly for collection and destruction of these polluted sites. This can create issues in contaminated soils when trying to find solutions to aid in PFAS removal. As these toxic substances continue to be studied, we will learn more about the environmental impacts and substances that can be substituted for these PFAS chemicals.
PFAS Impacts on Human Health
There is growing global interest in the impacts that PFAS chemicals have on human health. Below is a list of some associated health risks with certain harmful PFAS chemicals, as identified by scientific studies:
- Increased risk of thyroid disease,
- Liver damage,
- Decrease bone density in adolescents,
- Increase risk of Type 2 diabetes in women,
- Reproductive effects
These associated health effects have been determined through various research studies. Note that the risks depend on the type of PFAS chemical and the level of exposure, whether through contaminated drinking water or consumer products. Negative health effects such as liver damage are related to the extent of PFAS exposure. Due to their persistence in the environment, the risk of exposure to PFAS may increase with the widespread use of some of these substances. Although there are numerous scientific studies and published papers on some PFAS and their effects, more research is needed on the newer PFAS chemicals to better understand their environmental, how they relate to human health, and human immune system.
How are PFAS Regulated and What is Changing
By the early 2000s, various environmental agencies and regulatory bodies around the world began to understand the human health risks associated with certain substances and their impact on the environment. Now, in 2024, these substances are actively being monitored, and new regulations are in the process of being published.
In the EU, PFAS and related chemicals such as PFOS have been regulated for around 10 years. The European Commission has imposed regulations on various PFAS derivatives, restricting their use.
In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has imposed restrictions and prohibitions on various PFAS and related substances in many industry applications. Many states have also proposed or enacted additional restrictions on PFAS levels in drinking water that are more stringent than those required by the EPA or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Meanwhile, in Canada, both Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada have imposed restrictions and prohibitions on PFAS chemicals through various tools. The Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) has been amended, including regulations and lists such as the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012, and CEPA Schedule 1, to restrict the use of these chemicals. Other regulations, such as the Fire Fighting Foam Regulations, have also been amended to restrict the use of PFAS in firefighting foams and to reduce PFAS contamination.
Be aware that in July 2024, Canada published a Notice for mandatory information gathering under Section 71 of CEPA. Please read our recent blog if you would like to learn more about this requirement.
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