What do we know about PFAS?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. This is a class of thousands of long-lasting synthetic chemicals, the most common being perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFOS and PFOA, as well as some other PFAS, are considered persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

POPs (such as PFAS) can build up in animal tissues over time through a process called bioaccumulation. This means that older animals tend to have higher levels of POPs than younger animals. POPs tend to be found at higher levels in animals that eat other animals and in smaller amounts in animals that eat plants. This is due to a process called biomagnification. Marine mammals tend to have the highest levels of POPs.

PFAS are human-made chemicals found in a wide range of industrial processes and consumer products. In Canada, some legacy PFAS have been prohibited from manufacture, use, or import. These human-made chemicals are used as surfactants, lubricants and repellents for dirt, water and grease in a wide range of products. Examples of products they're used in include:

• food packaging materials
• drugs, including natural health products and non-prescription drugs
• medical devices
• cosmetics
• pesticides
• textiles, carpets, furniture and clothing
• vehicles
• electronics
• paints, coatings and building materials
• cleaning products, waxes and polishes
• fire-fighting foams*

*Note, the GNWT does not use retardants containing PFAS for wildland firefighting. Visit the Department of Environment and Climate Change for more information on fire retardants used in the NWT.

Due to their widespread use and persistence in the environment, PFAS can be found all over the world, in people, fish, wildlife and the environment at large. Current scientific research suggests that some PFAS can have negative health outcomes. However, research is still ongoing.

There are many potential sources of PFAS that can lead to human exposure and release to the environment. PFAS can potentially enter surface water, i.e. lakes and rivers, through run-off or discharge.

How do PFAS affect human health?

Health Canada has confirmed that PFAS are potentially harmful to both human health and the environment. Current and ongoing research suggests that exposure to certain PFAS is linked to negative health impacts on liver, kidney, thyroid, immune and nervous systems, development and reproductive systems, metabolism, and weight.

Humans can be exposed to PFAS from a wide variety of sources such as food and food packaging, cosmetics, products available to consumers, ambient air, indoor air and dust, and drinking water. 

Potential health risks from exposure depend on how much and for how long a person has been exposed.

Each person's specific attributes, including their age, habits, and overall health, can impact how their body will react to chemical exposures.

Residents can take steps to reduce their exposure to PFAS exposure by:

• Reading product labels and following all safety warnings and directions. Labels on cosmetics, natural health products and non-prescription drugs must list all ingredients and instructions for use.

• Looking for ingredient names for PFAS such as ‘perfluoro'.
• Following the manufacturer's directions to use and dispose of products safely.
• Using an activated carbon filter for drinking water that is certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for PFAS removal.

Are traditional foods safe to eat?

Traditional foods provide many essential nutrients that can lower the risk of chronic diseases. Marine mammals tend to have the highest levels of POPs and may therefore have higher levels of PFAS, particularly in fatty tissues. However, most people do not need to be concerned about contamination effects from traditional food consumption. Generally, the benefits of eating traditional foods outweigh the risks from contaminant exposure.