2023-05-21 21:44:43
Some 4,700 “eternal chemicals” that have spread across the earth and found their way into the bloodstream of many Canadians may soon be deemed “toxic” by Ottawa, forcing action to eliminate them.
The federal government launched a consultation on Friday that will be decisive for the future of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), following the publication of a damning report.
Representatives of this family of substances are nicknamed “eternal chemicals” due to their very long period of degradation. PFASs are used everywhere, from food packaging and clothing to lubricants and fire extinguishing foams.
“According to the conclusions proposed in the report, all substances in the PFAS class have the potential to cause harmful effects on the environment and on human health,” acknowledged Environment and Climate Change Canada.
PFASs are found all over the world, including in air, water and soil, so humans take in large amounts of them unwillingly.
“In humans, some well-studied PFASs can be readily absorbed by the body and bind to blood proteins. These PFASs can then enter the bloodstream and accumulate in well-perfused tissues (eg, liver and kidneys).
“From these studies, it is evident that exposure to PFASs might cause effects of concern to human health,” the authors added, noting that “some of the PFASs studied are eliminated from the human body very slowly.”
Ottawa is therefore considering, at the end of its consultation, qualifying all PFAS as a “toxic substance” under section 64 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. This designation would oblige the government to adopt measures to move towards the “virtual elimination” of PFAS.
“It is concerning that PFAS contamination is present across Canada and is not limited to certain sources or regions. […] Our priority must be to continue to protect the health of Canadians and the environment,” commented the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbault.
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