Canada’s federal government has announced it will phase out ‘forever chemicals’, with the first phase tackling firefighting foams, followed by cosmetics, food packaging and textiles.
Since their invention in the 1940s, poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) have spread worldwide. They represent a group of around 12,000 different chemicals and are known as ‘forever chemicals’ because of their unbreakable chemical structure.
They consist of chains of carbon atoms of varying lengths surrounded by atoms of fluorine. These carbon-fluorine bonds repel both oil and water, which make them indispensable in a whole range of industries. They appear everywhere from non-stick cookware to waterproof cosmetics and clothing. They are also present in our general environment and in our bodies.
Scientists and campaigners have for a long time been drawing attention to the health and environmental concerns of exposure to some of these indestructible chemicals, and their link to cancer, immune system disruption and reduced fertility.
Countries across the world are looking to ban PFAS. In June 2024, Denmark allocated €54m for a national action plan designed to prevent, contain and clean up PFAS contamination across the country.
In February, France passed a new law banning PFAS in several products, including clothing and cosmetics.
Now Canada has stepped up, announcing its proposed phasing-out of forever chemicals. This follows a report the government published this week highlighting the harm that PFAS causes to human health and the environment.
The government said it was embarking on a phased approach that will “prioritise the protection of health and the environment while considering factors such as the availability of alternatives”.
Phase 1, starting in 2025, will address PFAS in firefighting foams to better protect firefighters and the environment.
Phase 2 will focus on limiting exposure to PFAS in products that are not needed for the protection of human health, safety or the environment. This will include products such as cosmetics, food packaging materials and textiles.
The ban, however, would exclude fluoropolymers, a type of heat-resistant plastic used in aerospace, automotive and electronics, which will continue to be assessed.
Steven Guilbeault, minister of environment and climate change, said: “Today, the government is taking a significant step forward to better protect workers, firefighters, and all Canadians from ‘forever chemicals’.
“Science shows that the ongoing use of PFAS can harm both the environment and human health. In coming months, we will consult Canadians on proposed federal actions to improve transparency of information on the presence of substances of concern in products, including PFAS.”
The January/February issue of E+T included an article looking at PFAS and the solutions to the forever chemicals problem, particularly in drinking water.
Listen to E+T Podcast Episode 11 in which the editorial team and special guest – Stephanie Metzger, policy adviser at the Royal Society of Chemistry – discuss the subject Forever chemicals: are they an environmental disaster in progress?