(OTTAWA) Firefighting foams, cosmetics and food packaging that contain cancer-causing “eternal chemicals” could be restricted or outright banned in Canada following a federal government risk assessment of the products.
Environment and Climate Change Canada indicates in its interim report on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “eternal chemicals”, that there are serious concerns about the risks they pose to both humans and the environment. ‘environment.
PFASs comprise over 4700 different combinations of synthetic chemicals used in dozens of products and have become ubiquitous throughout the environment, including the bloodstream of people and animals.
They are considered “eternal chemicals” because they are difficult, if not impossible, to remove.
Several studies indicate that chemicals pose health risks to humans and wildlife, including higher risks of certain types of cancers, thyroid damage and blindness.
Environment Canada says it is considering regulating the use of products containing PFAS, but will wait until after a 60-day comment period on the draft assessment before taking action.