Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become a global focal point of human health and environmental concern, prompting regulatory actions to address their pervasive presence in various sectors. In Canada, recent regulatory updates have aimed to bolster efforts in managing and mitigating the risks associated with PFAS contamination. This article explores the latest regulatory developments concerning PFAS in Canada and their implications.

Recent Regulatory Updates

Addition to the List of Toxic Substances:

Responding to mounting concerns, the Canadian government has proposed amendments to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) to designate PFAS as a toxic substance. This pivotal move empowers regulatory agencies to enforce stricter controls over the production, use, disposal, sale, and import of PFAS compounds. By taking this step, Canada aims to mitigate environmental contamination and safeguard public health from the adverse effects of PFAS exposure.

Implication: This designation signifies a significant shift towards more stringent regulation of PFAS, indicating a heightened awareness of their potential risks and a commitment to addressing them comprehensively. It sets the stage for more robust enforcement measures and underscores the urgency of tackling PFAS contamination.

Risk Assessment and Management:

Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) have undertaken proactive measures to conduct thorough risk assessments and formulate management strategies for PFAS. These initiatives encompass evaluating exposure pathways, assessing associated health risks, and establishing guidelines and standards to safeguard human health and the environment from PFAS-related hazards.

Implication: By prioritising risk assessment and management, Canadian regulatory bodies demonstrate their dedication to evidence-based decision-making and proactive protection of public health. This approach fosters greater transparency and accountability in addressing PFAS contamination and underscores the importance of scientific rigour in regulatory processes.

Drinking Water Guidelines:

Recognising the critical importance of safe drinking water, Health Canada has issued interim guidelines for PFAS in drinking water. These guidelines establish maximum acceptable concentrations for specific PFAS compounds, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), to protect public health. At the same time, further research is conducted to establish permanent standards.

Implication: The issuance of interim guidelines reflects a proactive stance towards safeguarding public health, acknowledging the urgency of addressing PFAS contamination in drinking water. It underscores the government's commitment to prioritising human health protection while awaiting conclusive research findings to inform permanent regulatory standards.

Product Regulations and Phase-Outs:

In addition to addressing environmental contamination, Canada is taking decisive action to regulate PFAS in consumer products, including firefighting foams, food packaging, and textiles. Measures include restricting PFAS use in certain applications and promoting the adoption of PFAS-free alternatives to mitigate exposure risks.

Implication: By regulating PFAS in consumer products, Canada aims to curb exposure to these harmful substances and promote the adoption of safer alternatives. This proactive approach aligns with international efforts to reduce PFAS exposure and underscores the importance of preventive measures in safeguarding public health.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite significant progress, Canada faces ongoing challenges in effectively regulating PFAS, given their widespread use and complexities in remediation. Moving forward, Canada must enhance monitoring capabilities, accelerate research efforts, and foster international cooperation to address PFAS contamination comprehensively.

The recent regulatory updates regarding PFAS in Canada reflect a proactive and concerted effort to address the multifaceted challenges posed by these pervasive contaminants. By designating PFAS as a toxic substance and implementing stricter controls, Canada underscores its commitment to mitigating environmental contamination and protecting public health. Through risk assessment, management strategies, and interim drinking water guidelines, regulatory bodies prioritise evidence-based decision-making and proactive health protection. Additionally, efforts to regulate PFAS in consumer products demonstrate a commitment to reducing exposure risks and promoting safer alternatives. However, significant challenges persist, necessitating ongoing efforts to enhance monitoring, accelerate research, and foster international collaboration. In confronting these challenges head-on, Canada reaffirms its dedication to addressing PFAS contamination comprehensively and safeguarding the well-being of its citizens and the environment.

At Yordas, our team can provide you with the insight needed to navigate Canada's ever-changing PFAS regulatory environment. Contact us today to find out how we can help you remain current with the latest developments. 

Additionally, our team has developed a PFAS identification tool, which provides automated, case-by-case identification and screening for PFAS across your entire product portfolio, regardless of whether it appears on current lists or not. For more information on this tool, get in touch with our PFAS team. You can also subscribe to our PFAS newsletter to stay on top of updates, changes and content.

About our experts

Jude Arokianathar, Product Stewardship Regulatory Consultant

Jude Arokianathar joined Yordas Group in 2021 as a Regulatory Consultant, following a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry and MSci in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. He is part of the Product Stewardship team at Yordas Group, where he works closely with clients from various sectors such as automotive, aerospace and defense, and consumer to ensure their compliance with existing and upcoming chemical legislation. Jude specializes in PFAS-related legislation, and with his strong scientific and regulatory background, he provides clients with regulatory advice to assist them in preparing for upcoming PFAS bans/restrictions and participating in consultations. Additionally, he is responsible for preparing and delivering communications, including webinars, blogs and fact sheets, on PFAS and other substances of concern.

David Seed, Product Stewardship Regulatory Consultant

David Seed joined Yordas Group in 2023 as a Regulatory Consultant, with previous experience in business insight and a Master’s Degree in chemistry. Working as part of the Product Stewardship team, David works with clients from a wide variety of industries, helping to ensure their compliance with the regulatory landscape.

As part of his role at Yordas Group, David closely monitors worldwide PFAS regulations, providing clients with updates on relevant developments, providing specific advice on regulatory queries, and helping to develop Yordas’s capabilities and tools regarding PFAS compliance. His chemical knowledge and work regarding regulatory compliance ensure he is well-placed to advise on the nuances of PFAS and their regulation.