The Government of Canada is launching a public consultation on Phase 1 of the risk management of the class of PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers. This phase proposes to address all known remaining uses of PFAS that are not already regulated in firefighting foams.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals", are a class of thousands of human-made substances that have the same portion of chemical structure. These substances do not break down easily and remain in the environment for long periods of time. As they repel oil and water, PFAS are used in various products and commercial applications, as well as in industrial sectors. Given their extreme persistence and broad range of uses leading to continued releases into the environment, the amount of PFAS in the environment is expected to increase.
Since PFAS move locally and over long ranges, their presence has resulted in continuous environmental and human exposure. In humans, exposure to PFAS has the potential to cause effects on multiple organs and systems, including the liver, kidneys, thyroid, immune system, nervous system, metabolism, body weight, 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. Certain PFAS may also build up in living organisms and magnify up the food chain.
Scientific evidence is suggesting that concerns identified for well-studied PFAS may apply to other PFAS, making it necessary to take a proactive approach to manage them while considering socio-economic impacts.
The State of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Report
The Government of Canada published the State of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Report in March 2025, following a series of consultations, during which over 400 comments were submitted.
The Report concluded that the class of PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers as defined in the report, is toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), as they 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.
- 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 Report provides the science for future CEPA consultations and actions to manage potential health and ecological harm of these substances.
Based on the Report, the Government of Canada is proposing to add the class of PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers, to Part 2 of Schedule 1 to CEPA. Doing so would not impose any regulatory requirements in and of itself, it would enable the Government to develop risk management instruments for substances under CEPA.
Fluoropolymers
Fluoropolymers are a group of polymeric PFAS that have C-F bonds on a carbon-only backbone. They have been excluded from the Report as current evidence suggests they may have different exposure and hazard profiles. Their exclusion from the Report does not mean that they are or are not of concern. The Government will study fluoropolymers further to ensure informed decision-making.
Proposed actions on PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers - Risk Management Approach
The Government of Canada recognizes that PFAS 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 protects health and the environment and also supports the competitiveness of Canadian industries while they are finding safer alternatives.
To determine actions, the Government published a proposed Risk Management Approach in March 2025, whose objectives are:
- 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, the Government is proposing a phased approach:
- Phase 1: Addressing PFAS (that are not currently regulated) in firefighting foams, due to the high potential for environmental and human exposure.
- Phase 2: Addressing uses of PFAS not needed for the protection of health, safety, or the environment, which include consumer applications such as certain textiles, ski waxes, building materials, and food packaging materials.
- Phase 3: Address uses of PFAS that require further consideration and for which there may not be feasible alternatives. For example, in medical devices, transport, and military uses.
Phase 1
The publication of the consultation document is the first step to engage stakeholders on proposed restrictions for PFAS (that are not currently regulated) in firefighting foams, such as those known as "C6 AFFF." The consultation document will be open to all interested parties for public comments until November 25, 2025.
Current actions on PFAS
To protect the health of Canadians and ecosystems, the Government has been acting on PFAS.
- The Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012, addressed three subgroups of PFAS (perfluorooctane sulfonate [PFOS]; perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA]; and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids [LC-PFCAs], their salts, and their precursors). To further address them, the Government plans to publish an update to these regulations.
- In 2025, 163 PFAS were added to the National Pollutant Release Inventory to enhance understanding of their use and impacts.
- To help reduce exposure to PFAS, Health Canada released the final objective for PFAS in Canadian drinking water in August 2024.
- Activities are being undertaken under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement to reduce releases of PFAS 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.
- The Government is continuing to take further action to address PFAS at known federal contaminated sites.
- Canada works with provinces on contaminated sites through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment.
- A 2024 information collection notice included 312 PFAS to establish baseline commercial data and inform future activities.
- Under CEPA's New Substances Notification regime, new PFAS introduced to the Canadian marketplace continue to be assessed for potential risks.
- Canada works with other countries to address PFAS, including through the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.
- The Government is also continuing research and monitoring activities, which build on available science.
- The Government will continue to rely on the best available science to protect the health of people in Canada and the environment.
