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

From: Environment and Climate Change Canada

Current status: Open

The Updated Draft State of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Report and the Revised Risk Management Scope of PFAS were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, Vol. 158, No. 28, on July 13, 2024. Both documents are open for a 60-day public comment period ending on September 11, 2024.

The comments received on the Draft State of PFAS Report were considered in developing the Updated Draft State of PFAS Report and Revised Risk Management Scope and do not need to be resubmitted. Comments received on the updated documents will be considered during the development of the final report and, if the conclusion is confirmed, during the development of the risk management approach.

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 Updated Draft State of PFAS Report is a qualitative assessment of the fate, sources, occurrence, and potential impacts of these substances on the environment and human health.

The Government of Canada received significant feedback and information in response to the publication of the Draft State of PFAS Report and Risk Management Scope. Based on comments received, along with other information, there is evidence to suggest that fluoropolymers may have significantly different exposure and hazard profiles when compared with other PFAS in the class. After careful consideration, PFAS meeting the definition of fluoropolymers are planned for consideration in a separate assessment. Their exclusion from the Updated Draft State of PFAS Report should not be interpreted as meaning that they are of low concern. As a result of these changes, an Updated Draft State of PFAS Report has been published.

The Updated Draft State of PFAS Report indicates that the class of PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers as defined in the updated draft report, may cause harm to both human health and the environment.

The Revised Risk Management Scope outlines the proposed risk management options under consideration which includes the following phased approach for the class of PFAS:

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 Updated Draft State of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Report and Revised Risk Management Scope. The information is collected, used and disclosed for the purpose of allowing stakeholders and Canadians the opportunity to provide formal written comments on the PFAS Report and Risk Management Scope before they are finalized. 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 ECATIP-ECAIPRP@ec.gc.ca. 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 Updated Draft State of PFAS Report and Revised Risk Management Scope.

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

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

Please include “Consultation – Updated SOPR and Revised 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.

Who is the focus of this consultation

We would like to hear from:

Related information

Contact us

By email

Email: substances@ec.gc.ca

By phone

Substances Management Information Line:

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

By mail

Substance Prioritization, Assessment and Coordination Division, Science and Risk Assessment, Science and Technology Branch
Environment and Climate Change Canada
351 Saint-Joseph Boulevard
Gatineau QC K1A 0H3

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