Share your thoughts: Prohibition of the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, excluding fluoropolymers, in firefighting foams
From: Environment and Climate Change Canada
Current status: Open
The Government of Canada published a Consultation Document on September 26, 2025. A 60-day comment period ending on November 25, 2025, follows this publication.
Comments received on the Risk Management Scope, the Revised Risk Management Scope and the Risk Management Approach for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) will be considered during the development of risk management activities and do not need to be resubmitted.
Privacy Act Notice Statement
The personal information is collected under the authority of the Financial Administration Act and section 5 of the Department of the Environment Act.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is undertaking public consultation on the prohibition of the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), excluding fluoropolymers, in firefighting foams. The information is collected, used and disclosed by ECCC for the purpose of policy analysis, research, program operations and/or communications. Your participation and decision to provide any information is voluntary.
The personal information created, held or collected by ECCC is protected under the Privacy Act. Information in this survey will be used, disclosed and retained in accordance with the conditions listed in the Personal Information Bank Public Communications PSU 914.
Any questions or comments regarding this privacy notice may be directed to ECCC’s Access to Information and Privacy Division at ECATIP-ECAIPRP@ec.gc.ca. If you are not satisfied that your privacy has been adequately respected, you have the right to file a complaint. You may contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada by calling their information center at 1-800-282-1376 or by visiting their contact page.
Background
Firefighting foams containing PFAS are designed to extinguish Class B fires during emergencies. These fires include those involving flammable and combustible liquids, petroleum greases, tars, oils and gasoline, solvents, and alcohols. PFAS-based surfactants help to cut off the oxygen from the fire. It does that by contributing to form a foam blanket and a water film that glides over the surface of the burning liquid.
Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is the most used and available of these foams. For this reason, PFAS-containing firefighting foams are often referred to as AFFF.
Canada regulates two of the three categories of AFFF, “PFOS-based AFFF” and “C8 AFFF,” with some exemptions. The last remaining category of AFFF is "C6 AFFF.” It refers to foams that are based on subgroups of PFAS that are not yet regulated.
On March 8, 2025, the Government of Canada published the State of PFAS Report. This Report concluded that the class of PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers, is toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). The Government also published an associated Risk Management Approach for PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers. It outlines the proposed risk management actions under consideration through phased prohibitions.
The consultation document on Phase 1 intends to:
- inform interested parties and solicit comments on the proposed regulatory approach. The approach is to prohibit the manufacture, import, use and sale of PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers, not currently regulated in firefighting foams. The Government is considering transitional periods.
- solicit comments regarding concentration thresholds for the incidental presence of PFAS in Class B firefighting foams. The Government is considering different thresholds for foams contaminated by firefighting systems that have undergone cleaning.
The development of proposed regulatory instruments will consider comments received.
Join in: How to participate
You are invited to review and submit your comments on the consultation document.
Online
Submit comments via ECCC’s Single Window. Once an account is created, click the Chemicals Management Plan link, then select Initiative “Chemicals Management – General”. Within the form, enter the publication name in the Submission Title field.
By email
Send an email with your ideas or comments to make yourself heard using the contact information below.
Please include “Consultation Document on Phase 1 of the Risk Management of PFAS” in the subject line of your email.
By mail
Send a letter with your ideas and input to the address in the contact information below.
Please include “Consultation Document on Phase 1 of the Risk Management of PFAS” in the subject line of your letter.
Confidentiality
Any person who provides information to the Minister of the Environment may request that it be treated as confidential under section 313 of CEPA. A request for confidentiality must indicate which specific information or data should be treated as confidential, and it must be submitted with reasons taking into account the criteria referred to in subsection 313(2) of CEPA.
Subscribe: How to keep in touch
Subscribe to the Risk management of the class of PFAS subscription service. This way, you will be informed of future publications, information sessions and/or consultations.
Who is the focus of this consultation
We would like to hear from:
- Industry stakeholders and association members, including from
- Firefighting and chemical synthesis industries
- Civil and military aviation
- Chemical industry
- Oil and gas industry
- Other high-hazard industries
- Municipal fire services
- Indigenous Peoples
- Non-governmental organizations
- Interested people in Canada
- Federal, territorial, provincial and municipal governmental organizations
Related information
Contact us
By email
Email: AFFF@ec.gc.ca
By phone
Substances Management Information Line:
Telephone: 1-800-567-1999 (within Canada) or 819-938-3232 (outside of Canada)
By mail
Chemicals Management Division
Environment and Climate Change Canada
351 St. Joseph Blvd
Gatineau QC K1A 0H3
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