What Are Forever Chemicals?

Forever chemicals, scientifically known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are synthetic compounds found in everyday products, from waterproof outdoor gear to cosmetic items and stain-resistant carpets. Despite their initial promotion as safe and stable, these chemicals have unfortunately gone largely unregulated, infiltrating our environment through various means, including municipal and industrial wastewater and landfills.

The Health Risks Are Real!

As research exposes alarming health risks, the tide is starting to turn. With studies linking PFAS to serious conditions like cancer, reproductive issues, developmental delays in children, and hormonal disruptions, regulatory agencies are taking action. For instance, the Canadian government has recently slashed the acceptable PFAS levels in drinking water and is moving to officially label these substances as toxic.

New Standards, New Challenges

Municipal water providers are now tasked with identifying and eliminating these harmful compounds from drinking water. Testing is underway across Canada to determine the presence and concentration of PFAS, with some utilities realizing that adapting their systems to remove these chemicals will involve extensive upgrades.

A Striking Statistic

Shockingly, over 98% of Canadians have PFAS detected in their bloodstream, as reported by Statistics Canada. Previous federal guidelines allowed for relatively high concentrations of specific PFAS compounds like PFOS and PFOA, but new recommendations drastically shrink the limit to just 30 nanograms per liter for a total of 25 types of PFAS.

Encouraging News for Some Water Utilities

In a bright spot for Rodney Bouchard's utility, testing at Union Water Supply showed PFAS levels at a mere 13 ng/l, well within the new lower limits. Prof. Scott Hopkins, who is conducting screenings across southern Ontario, reported average PFAS levels of 5 to 15 ng/l in various water systems, comparable to diluting a Coca-Cola bottle in Lake Erie.

The Long-Term Dilemma

With PFAS taking centuries to degrade, experts worry not only about current water quality but also about future contamination levels. The consensus seems clear: action is needed. Cleanup costs soar when PFAS concentrations surpass the 30 ng/l threshold, leading some municipalities to struggle with the financial burden of necessary upgrades.

Global Efforts to Combat PFAS Pollution

Countries around the world have begun addressing PFAS issues with stricter regulations. France is imposing new usage limits, while the European Union set a threshold of 100 ng/l. In the U.S., the EPA under the Biden administration has introduced stringent limits on individual PFAS compounds.

Canadian Actions and Concerns

In Canada, while the government plans to tighten regulations on PFAS manufacturing and sales, a group of 13 scientists is urging for a quicker response. Their recommendations advocate for legally enforceable limits and a structured approach to testing drinking water near known contaminated sites.

Community Exposure and Risks

While some Canadian communities face significant PFAS contamination, experts like toxicologist Mark-André Verner emphasize that most areas have relatively low levels. However, additional exposure routes include contaminated food, dust, and everyday consumer items. Verner stresses the importance of regulating drinking water since it's one area where contamination can be effectively controlled.

The Call for Action

As calls for swift government action escalate, skepticism about the feasibility of the new PFAS drinking water standards remains. With the costly upgrades required for treatment facilities and uncertainty surrounding current contamination levels in many water systems, the path forward appears challenging yet critical. The mantra is clear: reducing exposure lowers risk, and the clock is ticking.