PFAs & the Built Environment: Forever Impacts from Forever Chemicals

You may have heard the term “PFAs” in the news or a viral documentary (Dark Waters, anyone?), but what does it actually mean for the built environment? While they’ve been widely used in everything from food packaging to building materials, PFAs don’t break down easily and can accumulate in the environment and the human body over time. One of the most well-known types, PFOA, has been linked to potential health risks and is now being phased out—though it still persists in soil and groundwater. As regulations evolve and awareness grows, PFAs are becoming an important consideration in the built environment, particularly for material selection, site assessments, and occupant health.

What are PFAs?

PFAs are often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment or the human body. This means they can build up over time. PFAs (also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of human-made chemicals used since the 1940s. They’re commonly found in products that resist heat, water, and stains, such as:

  • Non-stick cookware
  • Waterproof clothing
  • Food packaging
  • Carpets and upholstery
  • Firefighting foams
  • Interior maintenance and cleaning products, such as floor waxes, polishes, carpet cleaners, and aerosol air fresheners

What is a PFOA?

PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) is one of the most well-known PFAs chemicals. It was widely used in manufacturing products with non-stick coatings (e.g., Teflon).

Although PFOA has been phased out in many countries, it:

  • Persists in soil and groundwater
  • Can still be found in older buildings and materials
  • Has been linked to potential health risks, including cancer and immune system effects

Why Should You be Concerned About PFAs?

PFAs are a growing concern because:

  • They are widespread, found in water, soil, air, and everyday products
  • They accumulate over time in humans, animals, and ecosystems
  • They may pose health risks, including:
    • Altered metabolism and weight regulation
    • Reduced immune response
    • Certain cancers

PFAs in the Built Environment

PFAs are increasingly relevant in buildings and infrastructure. They can be present in:

  • Building materials (coatings, sealants, insulation)
  • Furnishings (stain-resistant carpets, fabrics)
  • Fire suppression systems (especially in industrial or airport settings)
  • Contaminated sites (from historic industrial use or firefighting foam)
  • Operations and maintenance (waxes, polishes and cleaners)

This creates several challenges:

  • Indoor exposure risks for occupants
  • Liability during property transactions
  • Complications in redevelopment or brownfield projects
  • Regulatory compliance issues

PFA Regulations in Canada

Regulations are evolving quickly, especially in places like Canada and the US, as governments work to limit exposure. At the federal level, Canada is moving to a phased prohibition of PFAs, starting with certain uses like firefighting foams and expanding to consumer goods such as cosmetics, food packaging, textiles, and cleaning products. Over time, restrictions are expected to extend into more complex industrial applications. These changes will directly impact supply chains, requiring companies to identify where PFAs are present in their products, and to begin planning for safer alternatives.

At the same time, PFAs are increasingly being added to environmental regulations governing contaminated sites and drinking water. Updated federal guidelines now include a broader list of PFAs compounds (including PFOA), while provinces like British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta are incorporating PFAs into their own site remediation and water quality frameworks. For real estate owners and managers, this means that investigations, remediation projects, and environmental approvals may become more complex, costly, and time-consuming.

How Can You Manage PFAs?

Environmental consultants play a key role in helping organizations manage PFAs risks within their properties, such as:

1. Site Assessment & Due Diligence

  • Identify potential PFAs sources during Environmental Site Assessments
  • Evaluate risks in soil, groundwater, and building materials

2. Regulatory Guidance

  • Help clients navigate evolving PFAs regulations and guidelines
  • Aid in compliance with federal, provincial, and municipal requirements

3. Material Selection & Operational Strategy

  • Recommend PFA-free or low-toxicity materials for new construction and retrofits
  • Integrate healthier material strategies into green building certifications (such as WELL, Fitwel, and LEED)
  • Incorporate PFA considerations into broader ESG strategies and wellness initiatives

4. Remediation & Risk Management

  • Develop strategies for managing or remediating contaminated sites
  • Coordinate with engineers and contractors on safe handling and disposal

Why This Matters Now

PFAs are quickly becoming a key issue in environmental risk, sustainability, and real estate. As awareness grows and regulations tighten, organizations that proactively address PFAs will be better positioned to protect occupant health, reduce long-term liability, and enhance asset value.

PFAs may seem invisible, but their impact isn’t. Understanding where they exist and how to manage them is becoming essential both at home and within commercial spaces. Understanding potential PFA liabilities during due diligence, budgeting for potential remediation, and staying ahead of regulatory requirements will be essential. As Canada continues to tighten PFAs regulations, those who act early will be better positioned to manage risk and avoid costly surprises.