Canada Government Takes Action to Address PFAS Contamination

On March 5, 2025, the Government of Canada released the State of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Report, along with a proposed risk management approach, marking a pivotal step in addressing the environmental and health risks associated with PFAS chemicals.

Key Findings of the State of PFAS Report

The report introduces a class-based approach to PFAS, reflecting the latest scientific evidence that the health and environmental risks posed by well-studied PFAS can be applied to other similar substances. This strategy aims to prevent the substitution of regulated PFAS with unregulated chemicals that pose similar risks.

The findings indicate that PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers, meet two important criteria under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA):

• They may cause harmful effects on the environment or its biodiversity due to their entry into ecosystems.
• They present a danger to human life or health in Canada.

As a result, the Canadian government proposes adding PFAS (except fluoropolymers) to Part 2 of Schedule 1 of CEPA to allow for targeted risk management actions.

Fluoropolymers Excluded from Immediate Action

Fluoropolymers are excluded from this immediate regulatory approach as current evidence suggests they have different exposure and hazard profiles. However, the government will continue to study these substances to inform future actions.

Proposed Risk Management Strategy

The government’s proposed risk management strategy focuses on reducing both environmental and human exposure to PFAS, with two main objectives:

• Reducing PFAS releases to safeguard environmental health while balancing economic feasibility.
• Minimizing human exposure, especially among vulnerable populations.

The approach includes a phased regulation process:

i Phase 1 (2025): Regulate PFAS in firefighting foams, which pose high environmental and health risks.
i Phase 2: Regulate PFAS in consumer products where alternatives are available, including textiles, cosmetics, ski waxes, building materials, and food packaging.
i Phase 3: Evaluate sectors requiring further study through engagement and additional assessments.

Public Engagement and Transparency

The government invites Canadians to comment on the proposed Risk Management Approach and the order to add PFAS to CEPA's Schedule 1 from March 8 to May 7, 2025.

Additionally, starting in 2025, 163 PFAS will be added to the National Pollutant Release Inventory, providing crucial data on PFAS usage and helping inform further risk management efforts.

Canada’s Global Leadership in PFAS Management

Canada is taking a leading role in global PFAS management, continuing research and collaborating through initiatives like the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. In 2021, Canada proposed adding long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs) to the convention, reinforcing global efforts to eliminate harmful PFAS substances.

Canada remains one of the first countries to implement a class-based regulatory approach to PFAS and will continue to refine strategies through ongoing stakeholder consultation.

For more details, visit the official government release.