Canada to Introduce Restrictions on PFAS: Consultations Begin in 2027
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are sometimes called “forever chemicals,” because they break down very slowly and can build up in people, animals, and the environment over time. Some types of PFAS are known to have a negative impact on the environment, animal and human health. PFAS can be found in equipment like wires and cables, coatings, communications equipment, plus some refrigerants.
Many governments, including Canada's, have announced plans to regulate the production or use of PFAS chemicals. This action could impact the HVACR industry in various ways, including how many types of refrigerants and equipment can be handled, stored, and transported.
On March 5, 2025, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) published an updated version of its State of PFAS report. This document lays out a summary of the government’s knowledge and information sources on PFAS, and is available through this link: click here.
ECCC also published a new version of its Risk Management Approach (RMS) report, which gives an overview of the government’s plan for assessing hazards and exposures, and actions to reduce human exposures and environmental releases of PFAS (available through this link: click here).
In the updated RMS, the government indicates that regulation of refrigerant gases containing PFAS would be proposed for a 3rd phase of measures, with formal consultations on these actions not expected to begin before 2027.
Both documents are subject to a 60-day comment period, which will end May 7, 2025. HRAI’s PFAS Task Team will be meeting to develop comments in response to these updated documents. The PFAS Task Team’s comments on the 2024 edition of these reports can be viewed through this link. If you would be interested in joining this committee, please contact Perry Chao at pchao@hrai.ca.
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