Should Canada Ban PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' in Firefighting Foam?

Official title: Consultation document on Phase 1 PFAS prohibition: Risk management of PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers, not currently regulated in firefighting foams

Closed Regulations & Permits Environment & Climate Health & Safety
The government wants to ban a group of toxic chemicals called PFAS from firefighting foams. These "forever chemicals" don't break down in the environment and have been linked to health concerns. Canada already restricts two types of PFAS-based foams, but one category (C6 AFFF) remains unregulated. This consultation asked whether to ban manufacturing, importing, selling, and using these remaining PFAS foams.

Why This Matters

PFAS are called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down naturally. They've been found in drinking water, soil, and even human blood. Firefighting foams containing these chemicals can contaminate groundwater near airports, military bases, and industrial sites. If you live near one of these facilities, this could affect your water quality.

What Could Change

New regulations could ban the manufacture, import, sale, and use of PFAS-based firefighting foams that aren't already restricted. The government is considering transition periods to give industries time to switch to alternatives. Different contamination thresholds may apply to foam systems that have been cleaned.

Key Issues

  • Should Canada prohibit the manufacture, import, use, and sale of PFAS in firefighting foams?
  • What transition periods should industries have to phase out these foams?
  • What concentration thresholds should apply for incidental PFAS presence in firefighting foams?
  • Should different thresholds apply to foam systems that have undergone cleaning?

How to Participate

  1. Review the Consultation Document to understand the proposed regulatory approach.
  2. The comment period has closed. Subscribe to the PFAS subscription service to be notified of future consultations.

What Happened

The 60-day comment period ended on November 25, 2025. Comments received on the Risk Management Scope, the Revised Risk Management Scope, and the Risk Management Approach for PFAS will be considered during the development of risk management activities.

Key Documents