Action Alerts

Current status: Open

The Government of Canada is seeking comments on the Risk Management Approach for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), excluding fluoropolymers, notice of which was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, Vol. 159, No. 10 on March 8, 2025. The document is open for a 60-day public comment period ending on May 7, 2025.

The comments received on the Risk Management Scope and the Revised Risk Management Scope for PFAS were considered in developing the Risk Management Approach document and do not need to be resubmitted. Comments received will be considered during the development of risk management activities.

Background

PFAS, sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals”, are a large group of extremely persistent human-made substances used in a wide range of everyday products, such as food packaging, drugs and cosmetics.

They are also used in industrial processes and products, and specialized applications including certain firefighting foams, lubricants, and as repellants for dirt, water and grease.

The Risk Management Approach outlines the proposed risk management actions under consideration through a phased prohibition for the class of PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers: This approach would start with Phase 1, prohibition of the use of PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers, not currently regulated in firefighting foams, due to high potential for environmental and human exposure. Phase 2 would include prohibition of the uses of PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers, not needed for the protection of health, safety or the environment, which includes consumer applications. Prioritization of uses for prohibition is based on and will take into account costs and benefits, availability of suitable alternatives, and other socio-economic considerations. Phase 3 would be prohibition of the uses of PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers, requiring further evaluation of the role of PFAS for which currently there may not be feasible alternatives and taking into consideration socio-economic factors. Details on the proposed uses to be regulated in Phase 2 and Phase 3 are provided in the Risk Management Approach.

Privacy Act Notice Statement

The personal information is collected under the authority of section 5 of the Department of the Environment Act and subsection 7(1) of the Financial Administration Act.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is requesting your feedback on the Risk Management Approach for PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers. The information is collected, used and disclosed for the purpose of allowing stakeholders and Canadians the opportunity to provide formal written comments on the Risk Management Approach. Your participation and decision to provide any information is voluntary.

The personal information created, held or collected by Environment and Climate Change Canada is protected under the Privacy Act. Information in this survey will be used, disclosed and retained in accordance with the conditions listed in the Personal Information Bank Outreach Activities PSU 938.

Any questions or comments regarding this privacy notice may be directed to Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Access to Information and Privacy Division at [email protected]. If you are not satisfied that your privacy has been adequately respected, you have the right to file a complaint. You may contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada by calling their information center at 1-800-282-1376 or by visiting their contact page.

Join in: How to participate

You are invited to review and submit your comments on the Risk Management Approach.

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: [email protected]

By mail

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

Please include “Consultation – Risk Management Approach for PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers” 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.

Who is the focus of this consultation

We would like to hear from:

• A diverse range of industry sectors, including:
  • 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
  • Pharmaceutical industry
• Indigenous Peoples
• Non-governmental organizations
• Interested Canadians
• Federal, provincial and municipal governmental organizations