The Decibel Canada revamps standards around ‘forever chemicals’ in water
May 29, 2025
Patrick White, a water reporter for The Globe and Mail, delves into the urgent issue of ‘forever chemicals’ in Canadian drinking water. He highlights alarming test results from Prince Edward Island, where levels exceed health recommendations. White explains the health risks associated with these hazardous compounds and the recent updates to Canada’s water standards. He also contrasts PEI's proactive measures with the slower responses of other provinces, emphasizing the importance of transparency and stringent guidelines in protecting public health.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Hazelbrook PFAS Water Worries
- Hazelbrook PEI is a rural community near Charlottetown with about nine households near a former landfill.
- Residents worried about toxic chemical leaching into their well water, prompting provincial testing for PFAS.
PFAS Chemical Properties
- PFAS are man-made chemicals created in the 1930s with strong carbon-fluorine bonds that don't break down.
- Used widely for water, oil, and stain resistance in many products due to their lasting, durable properties.
Health Effects of PFAS
- PFAS have been linked to liver, kidney, thyroid problems, developmental delays, and reproductive issues.
- These chemicals pose consolidated health risks beyond one single disease, making regulation complex.