2023-05-20 21:39:00
Following a scientific evaluation on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), Health Canada and Environment Canada are proposing to add these synthetic chemicals to the list of toxic products under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA).
Canadians are invited to vote on this proposal (New window) by mid-July.
The inclusion of a substance on the list of toxic products subject to LCPE is the first step towards the government adopting regulations to ban it, as Ottawa has done for single-use plastic items.
Studies show that the PFAS can harm human health and wildlife. Some of these chemicals build up in the liver and kidneys.
« Due to the widespread use of PFAS and the ubiquity of these substances in the environment, humans are continuously exposed to multiple PFASwhich could cause adverse effects of concern. »
Effects commonly reported in animal studies damage the liver, kidneys, thyroid gland, immune system, nervous system, and metabolism. They also affect body weight, reproduction and development.
Epidemiological studies in humans have also found similar effects on organs and vital systems.
Like the PFAS break down very slowly and living things are repeatedly exposed to them, their levels in the blood can increase over time.
Synthetic substances
behind the symbol PFAS is a family of synthetic substances. Endowed with non-stick and waterproof properties, they are present in various consumer products: Teflon pans, food packaging, textiles, automobiles, cosmetics, menstrual products, carpets, furniture, clothing…
Virtually indestructible, hence their nickname, they are described by some experts ascentury”,”text”:”the greatest chemical threat of the 21st century”}}”>the greatest chemical threat of the 21st century but deemed partly unavoidable by the industrial sector.
Only diamonds should be forever, not polluting man-made chemicals
wrote the Minister of the Environment, Steven Guilbeault, on Twitter.
« We must do everything in our power to protect the health and safety of Canadians and our environment. »
The government has listed in the list of PFAS over 4700 man-made molecules and this list keeps growing. The report also indicates that humans are exposed to more chemicals
in the air they breathe, in dust and in drinking water.
These chemicals extremely persistent
are present across Canada and even in remote areas of the Arctic, according to the report.
No substitutes
THE PFAS are used in firefighting equipment, including fire retardant foam, and in critical components of electric vehicles, batteries and solar panels.
GES]”,”text”:”PFAS help clean energy and reduce emissions [de GES]”}}”>THE PFAS contribute to clean energy and reduced emissions [de GES]
argued Danielle Morrison, policy officer for the Chemical Industry Association of Canada.
His association assured that its members will keep abreast of scientific data while warning against the prohibition of PFAS, which are essential and for which there are no substitutes, she argues.
PFAS are also transmitted to fetuses.
Photo : getty images/istockphoto / momcilog
Besides the discovery of traces of PFAS in the blood of Canadians, the study showed that pregnant women can pass these substances across the placenta. As for infants, they can be exposed to PFAS through breast milk.
It is already recognized internationally that firefighters are among the groups overexposed to PFAS. In Canada, a second population is at risk: Aboriginal people.
PFAS in northern Aboriginal communities (as measured in adults, including pregnant women) and in Aboriginal youth and children in other parts of Canada”,”text”:”Elevated levels of some PFAS in northern Indigenous communities (as measured in adults, including pregnant women) as well as Indigenous youth and children in other parts of Canada”}}”>Elevated concentrations of some PFAS in northern Indigenous communities (as measured in adults, including pregnant women) as well as Indigenous youth and children in other parts of Canada
say the authors of the study.
real-time”,”text”:”Real-time experience”}}”>Real-time experience
Several Canadian cities have already urged Ottawa to legislate against PFAS.
PFAS was long enough to show adverse effects in the human population”,”text”:”Exposure to PFAS was long enough to show adverse effects in the human population”}}”>Exposure to PFAS lasted long enough to show adverse effects in the human population
pointed out Miriam Diamond, professor at the School of the Environment of the University of Toronto.
According to his observations, Canada is leading a real-time experience on the health of [sa] population
and it’s time to ban the PFAS not essential.
Canada is already restricting some, but more should be done rather than take a piecemeal approach, say environmental experts.
It’s really important to tackle the problem at the source and stop trying to cut it into small pieces.
warned Cassie Barker, manager of the toxic products program at Environmental Defence.
With information from David Thurton (CBC News) and Agence France-Presse
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