PFAS are persistent chemicals harmful to human health. PFAS, short for polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a large group of human-made chemicals that have been used since the 1940s in a wide range of consumer and industrial products because of their unique properties, which are resistant to heat, water, and oil (CBC News, 2025). 3 Perfluoroalkyl substances have all the hydrogen atoms on their carbon chain replaced with fluorine atoms. The carbon–fluorine bond is one of the strongest in chemistry, which is why these chemicals are so durable and do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. People are exposed to PFAS through contaminated water, food, dust, air, and everyday products such as cosmetics, non-stick cookware, and food packaging (2025). 4 PFAS are also found near areas where firefighting foams have been used or in landfills containing PFAS products (Canada, Environment & Climate Change Canada & Health Canada, 2025). According to the “State of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Report: Environment and Climate Change Canada Health Canada, ” due to the widespread use of these chemicals in industrial processes and consumer goods, PFAS have been detected globally, even in remote regions (p. 2). Their slow breakdown can lead to repeated exposure and accumulation in the blood, increasing the potential for health risks (p. 1). Federal action listing PFAS as toxic under CEPA enables the development of national risk management and drinking water safety guidelines (CBC News, 2025).5 In accordance with section 68 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, the Minister of Environment and the Minister of Health have prepared a report on the class polyfluoroalkyl substances to provide an overview of the potential impacts of PFAS on the environment and human health (Canada, 1999). CBC coverage emphasizes that federal regulations are designed to reduce exposure nationwide. Connor Lamont’s CBC article, “High levels of 'forever chemicals' found in wells of 9 Hazelbrook homes,” reflects the status quo regarding the Canadian federalist perspective on environmental issues: the federal government establishes standards, but enforcement and monitoring often fall to provinces and local authorities (2025)
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