Toxic substances list: long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs), their salts and precursors
Related information
Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs), their salts and precursors are industrial chemicals that belong to the broad class of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are a class of over 4,700 human-made substances. In April 2021, the Government of Canada indicated that it is considering activities that would address PFAS as a class. Visit the PFAS web page for the latest information on publications and actions taken under the Government's Chemicals Management Plan related to PFAS.
LC-PFCAs, their salts and precursors are fluorochemicals that contain carbon atoms that are completely saturated by fluorine. It is the strength of the carbon-fluorine bonds that contributes to the extreme stability and unique properties of these fluorinated chemicals.
LC-PFCAs are compounds with chain lengths containing between 8 and 20 perfluorinated carbon atoms (CnF2n+1 in which 8 ≤ n ≤ 20) bonded to a carboxylic moiety (CO2H), for a total of 9 to 21 carbons (C9-C21).
LC-PFCAs, their salts and precursors have water, oil, dirt and grease repellant properties and can be found in a variety of products including personal care products, cleaning products, and surface treatments for textiles, upholstery, leather, automotive parts, carpet and paper products, and packaging. They can also be found in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used in firefighting, specifically fuel fires, and electrical and electronic equipment such as semi-conductors.
For more information on these substances, please visit the Chemical Substances website and the Chemicals at a glance information sheet for LC-PFCAs, theirs salts and precursors.
Risk assessment
- CEPA Toxic Substances List - Schedule 1 - These substances have been added to the List of Toxic Substances (items 131 and 132). They are entering or may enter the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that have or may have an immediate or long-term harmful effect on the environment or its biological diversity.
- Health science summary: Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) their salts and related compounds (August 2021)
- Final Order Adding LC-PFCAs, its salts and precursors to Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (November 2013)
- Final Ecological Screening Assessment of Long-Chain (C9-C20) Perfluorocarboxylic Acids (PFCAs), their salts and their precursors (August 2012)
Risk management strategy
Strategies and actions recommended to manage risks associated with these substances:
Risk management tools
Tools developed to manage risks associated with these substances:
- Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2022 [proposed] (May 2022)
- Proposed Order Amending Schedule 3 to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (Export Control List) (May 2022)
- Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012
- Regulations Amending the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012 (for the addition of 5 substances) (December 2016)
- Environmental Performance Agreement Respecting Perfluorinated Carboxylic Acids (PFCAs) and their Precursors in Perfluorinated Products Sold in Canada (completed) (March 2010)
International engagement
For information on Canada's international engagement on these substances, please visit:
Consultations
Consultations (past and present) on these substances:
- Proposed Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2022 (May 2022)
- Proposed Order Amending Schedule 3 to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (May 2022)
- Consultation document on proposed amendments to Schedule 3 (Export Control List) to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (March 2020)
- Consultation document on proposed amendments to the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012 for PFOS, PFOA, LC-PFCAs, HBCD, PBDEs, DP and DBDPE (December 2018)
- Notice of intent to amend the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012 published in Canada Gazette, Part I (October 2018)
- Response to comments on the proposed Regulations Amending the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulation, 2012 (October 2016)
- Response to comments on the Consultation Document on the Proposed Risk Management Measure for PFOA and Long-Chain PFCA (April 2015)
- Response to comments on the Risk Management Approach (April 2015)
- Consultation Document on Proposed Risk Management Measure for Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Its Salts, and Its Precursors And Long-Chain Perfluorocarboxylic Acids (PFCAs), their Salts, and their Precursors (January 2014)
- Summary of Public Comments received on the draft screening assessment report for Long-Chain (C9-C20) Perfluorocarboxylic Acids (PFCAs)
- Consultation on the Environmental Performance Agreement (EPA): Perfluorinated Carboxylic Acids and their Precursors in Perfluorochemical Products Sold in Canada (January 2009)
Other information
Contact
Chemicals Management Division
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3
E-mail: interdiction-prohibition@ec.gc.ca
Substances Management Information Line:
Telephone: 1-800-567-1999 (in Canada) or 819-938-3232
Fax: 819-938-3231
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