Experts call for Ottawa to act on ‘forever chemicals’

OTTAWA — Nearly a year after Health Canada issued a draft recommendation to designate an entire class of chemicals as toxic, environmental experts say it’s time to do something about it.

There are more than 10,000 variations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are used in hundreds of products from waterproof cosmetics and stain repellents to carpeting and nonstick cookware. Scientifically they are referred to by the acronym PFAS. But many call them “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down.

Cassie Barker, toxics program manager at Environmental Defence, told the House of Commons environment committee this week that the chemicals have one of the strongest bonds in organic chemistry, making it nearly impossible for them to break down. “Instead, they persist forever and accumulate in the environment and our bodies for years,” Barker said.

Studies have linked them to significant health problems including cancers, hormone disruptions, immune system problems and liver disease.

In May 2023 Health Canada issued a draft recommendation, following a scientific review of available evidence, that said the science meets the requirement to label PFAS as toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. That designation would then allow regulation of the substances, including an outright ban.

Barker said not only is it time to move to finalize that designation, the regulations must swiftly follow. She said the important thing is to designate the entire class, not just each substance individually.

Canada did designate and ban some versions of PFAS in 2012 but other products simply moved in to take their place and pose similar harm, said Barker. This time, the proposal is to label the full class at the same time. “We can’t just keep playing whack-amole here,” Barker said.

Environment and Climate Change Canada said a final report deciding whether to confirm the toxic designation is expected “in the coming months.” If the designation goes ahead, a risk management plan will be published at the same time.

The European Union and several U.S. states have already moved to limit or phase out their use. Europe is phasing out all PFAS except for essential uses where there is no alternative.

California has put limits on the use of the chemicals in food packaging, banned them entirely in products aimed at children under the age of 12 and will ban all PFAS from cosmetics next year.