Government of Canada taking next step in addressing "forever chemicals" PFAS
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On May 19 the Government of Canada announced the publication of the draft State of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Report.
Canada has previously prohibited the manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale, and import of three subgroups of PFAS, with limited exemptions. The government is also taking action to protect firefighters, reduce Canadians’ exposure to PFAS in drinking water, and manage PFAS in biosolids.
The report is a draft assessment of the potential risks of these substances to the environment and human health. It proposes concluding that all substances in the class of PFAS have the potential to cause harm to both the environment and human health. The Government of Canada is working diligently to ensure that the final report is completed as soon as possible to continue to safeguard the health and environment of Canada. The report contains a section addressing research on PFAS/PFOS in drinking water and its sources as well as wastewater effluent and biosolids.
Several options to reduce environmental and human exposure will be considered following review of public comments and finalization of the report, including recommendation for additions to Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, and controls for PFAS in firefighting foams. Information will also be gathered to identify options for minimizing exposure from other sources and products. Based on the precautionary approach, the goal would be to limit exposure, to the extent possible.
As an example of actions that the Government of Canada is taking to reduce PFAS in Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is signaling its intent to implement an interim standard for PFAS in biosolids imported and sold as commercial fertilizer. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency will engage provinces, industry, producer organizations, and other stakeholders on its approach over the summer months
You can access the full report at:
