Teh Urgent Need to Regulate PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
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Public demand for regulation of harmful PFAS chemicals is rapidly increasing. Recent polling data reveals overwhelming support – nearly nine in ten Canadians across all regions and political affiliations – for strong government action to address these chemicals.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) represent a class of over 14,000 synthetic chemicals renowned for their toxicity and remarkable persistence. resistant to heat, oil, stains, grease, and water, these “forever chemicals” are found in a vast array of products, from cosmetics to firefighting foam. Their widespread use makes avoidance nearly impractical, leading to accumulation in both the environment and our bodies, wiht devastating consequences for human and ecosystem health.
In March 2025, the government proposed an order to list and regulate PFAS as toxic substances under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). This crucial designation would enable the federal government to utilize regulatory and risk management tools to mitigate the harm caused by these dangerous chemicals.We are now at a critical juncture – the government is one step away from finalizing this listing order.Given the escalating crisis, swift action is paramount.
PFAS: ubiquitous and Persistent
Initially discovered in 1934,PFAS were first introduced to the consumer market in 1938 by companies like 3M and DuPont,appearing in products such as Freon,Teflon,and Scotchgard. Their durability and repellent qualities quickly led to expanded use in numerous commercial and industrial applications.
Today, PFAS are pervasive across nearly all industries. They function as surfactants,lubricants,and repellents in industrial processes and are integral to products ranging from cosmetics and clothing to packaging,pesticides,and firefighting foam.
The very properties that make PFAS valuable – their durability – also render them exceptionally toxic.Their near-indestructibility means they persist in the environment for millennia and are impossible to fully eliminate. PFAS pollution is widespread in the air, rain, and water throughout the Great Lakes basin, a vital drinking water source for 60 million people.
Health Impacts and Environmental Justice
Research indicates that over 99 per cent of Canadians have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood. exposure to these chemicals has been linked to a range of adverse health effects, including immune deficiencies, certain cancers, liver damage, and developmental issues.
Though, the burden of PFAS contamination is not shared equally. Vulnerable populations, including Indigenous communities and those living near industrial sites, often face disproportionately higher exposure levels and associated health risks. Addressing PFAS pollution is therefore not only a public health imperative but also a matter of environmental justice.
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PFAS Regulation in Canada: Ecojustice’s Urgent Call for Stricter Controls
the pervasive nature of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often dubbed ‘forever chemicals,’ has led to increasing global concern and a heightened demand for robust regulatory frameworks. In Canada, environmental advocates like Ecojustice are at the forefront, championing stricter PFAS regulation and urging the government to adopt more extensive measures to protect public health and the habitat. These synthetic chemicals, renowned for their water and stain-repellent properties, are found in a vast array of consumer and industrial products, leading to widespread environmental contamination and notable health risks.
Understanding PFAS: The Pervasive ‘Forever Chemicals’
PFAS are a large group of manufactured chemicals used since the 1940s in countless industrial applications and consumer products. Their unique chemical structure, characterized by strong carbon-fluorine bonds, makes them exceptionally resistant to degradation in the environment and within the human body. This longevity is precisely why they are termed ‘forever chemicals.’ They are used in:
- Non-stick cookware
- Stain and water-repellent fabrics and carpets
- Food packaging
- Firefighting foams (AFFF)
- Cosmetics
- Industrial processes
- Outdoor gear
The Adverse Effects of PFAS on Environment and Human Health
The persistence of PFAS chemicals means they can accumulate in the environment, contaminating soil, water sources, and even wildlife. Human exposure often occurs through contaminated drinking water, food, dust, and contact with consumer products.
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