Share your thoughts: Draft State of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Report and Risk Management Scope

Current status: Closed

The draft state of PFAS report and the risk management scope for the class of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, Vol. 157, No. 20, on May 20, 2023. Both documents are open for a 60-day public comment period ending on July 19, 2023.

The comments received during this period will be considered when developing the final report and risk management approach.

Background

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 4,700 human-made substances. These extremely persistent substances are used in many industrial sectors and are found in a wide range of products, including certain firefighting foams, food packaging, non-stick cookware, cosmetics, textiles, vehicles, and electronics.

The Draft State of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Report is a qualitative assessment of the fate, sources, occurrence, and potential impacts of these substances on the environment and human health.

The draft report indicates that PFAS as a class may cause harm to both human health and the environment. Proposed risk management options under consideration are:

• Regulatory and non-regulatory controls for PFAS in firefighting foams
• Gathering information to identify and prioritize options for minimizing exposure to PFAS from other sources and products
• Aligning with actions in other jurisdictions, where appropriate

Join in: How to participate

You are invited to review and submit your comments on the Draft State of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Report and Risk Management Scope.

By email

Send an email with your ideas or comments using the contact information below.

By mail

Send a letter with your ideas or comments to the address in the contact information below.

Please include “Consultation – SOPR and RMS” in the subject line of your email or letter.  

Any person who provides information to the Minister of the Environment may request that it be treated as confidential under section 313 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.

Please read our privacy statement for this consultation.

Who is the focus of this consultation

We would like to hear from:

• A diverse range of industry sectors, including but not limited to:
  • Industry using lubricants and repellents in their products (for dirt, water and grease)
  • Refrigerants industry
  • Fire-fighting and chemical synthesis industries
  • Textile industry (carpet, furniture, clothing)
  • Cosmetics industry
  • Food packaging industry
• Indigenous Peoples
• Non-governmental organizations
• Interested Canadians
• Federal, provincial and municipal governmental organizations

Related information

• Draft state of PFAS report
• PFAS infosheet
• Notice of intent to address the broad class of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances

Contact us

Online

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Single Window. Once an account is created, click the Chemicals Management Plan link, then select Initiative “Chemicals Management – General”. Within the form, enter the publication name in the Submission Title field.

By email

Email: substances@ec.gc.ca

By mail

Program Development and Engagement Division, Science and Risk Assessment, Science and Technology Branch
Environment and Climate Change Canada
351 Saint-Joseph Boulevard
Gatineau QC  K1A 0H3

By phone

Substances Management Information Line:

Telephone: 1-800-567-1999 (within Canada) or 819-938-3232 (outside of Canada)