GATINEAU, QC – In a continued effort to protect the health of people in Canada and the environment, the federal government is taking the next step in addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are a class of thousands of human-made substances that are also known as “forever chemicals”. These substances do not break down easily and have been found to be harmful to human health and the environment. Earlier this year, the federal government proposed a multi-phase risk management approach for PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers. Today, the Government is publishing the consultation document on Phase 1 of the proposed risk management for the class of PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers. This phase proposes to address all known remaining uses of PFAS that are not already regulated in firefighting foams.