Closed Consultation

ENGO participation to consultation on Perfluorocarboxylic Acids

The RCEN has selected 4 ENGO representatives for a consultation regarding Perfluorocarboxylic Acids and their Precursors, which took place on February 7, 2006 in Ottawa. A half-day information session was also held on February 6, 2006.

Selected Delegates:

Fe de Leon, Canadian Environmental Law Association
Delores Broten, Reach For Unbleached!
Sheila Cole, Emvironmental Health Association of Nova Scotia
Barbara McElgunn, Learning Disabilities Association of Canada

Read the ENGO Consultation Report.

Following the assessment of four fluorotelomer based substances under the New Substances provisions of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), these substances were suspected by Health Canada and Environment Canada of being "toxic" according to section 64 of CEPA (1999), and subjected to a prohibition under section 84(1)(b). Assessment reports leading to these decisions are now available upon request. The assessment conclusions are based upon information indicating the substances that were prohibited would ultimately be a source of perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) with a range of fluorocarbon chain lengths. Particular concern exists in the cases of PFCAs with longer chain lengths as these have shown a greater potential for bioaccumulation.

Information on some substances of this class is available on Environment Canada’s website

For more information, contact Olivier Bertin Mahieux, tel.: (613) 728-9810 ext. 234.