OTTAWA - A study conducted by scientists with the Commission for Environmental Co-operation found the presence of toxic chemicals known as PFAS in a number of clothing and textile products bought in Canada last year, including baby bibs, blankets and mats, sports clothing and winter jackets and gloves. Here is a quick look at these chemicals and why they raise red flags for humans and the environment.

What are PFAS chemicals?

PFAS stands for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substances, chemicals which were created in the 1940s and 1950s for use in a number of consumer and industrial goods around the world. They are most commonly used to make products fire resistant, stain resistant, water resistant and non-stick.

They are the chemicals that make your rain jacket water-resistant, keep your eggs from sticking to your frying pan or keep your couch or carpet from absorbing that fumbled glass of red wine. They are also found in fire fighting foam, stain removers and fast food packaging, cosmetics, and sports wear.

Why are they problematic?

PFAS do not break down and as a result they accumulate in waterways over time, and in the bloodstream with repeated exposures. People are exposed by wearing clothing or using products that contain the chemicals, or by drinking contaminated water — some studies have found high concentrations of PFAS in drinking water.

Science to determine the impacts of PFAS exposure is still not conclusive, but the chemicals are known to be endocrine disruptors, meaning when present in the human body they affect hormonal balances. They have been linked to higher rates of certain cancers, fertility issues, low-birth weights, suppressed immune systems and for children, have made vaccinations less effective.

What do the scientists say?

In 2015, 200 scientists signed a joint letter, known as the Madrid statement, that was published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. In the letter, the scientists call on countries around the world to limit production of PFAS and to find safer alternatives.

What are Canada's regulations and laws around PFAS?

In December 2016, Canada put in place regulations banning the use, import, manufacture or sale of PFAS or products that contain them, but with a substantial list of exemptions, including products such as baby bibs and blankets, sportswear and outdoor clothing.

The Canadian Environmental Protection Act must be reviewed every five years. The House of Commons environment committee held hearings on it last year and made more than 80 recommendations to the government, some of which ask the government to use CEPA to better manage the use of endocrine-disrupting chemicals like PFAS. Environment Minister Catherine McKenna will release her response to that committee's recommendations next month.

News from © The Canadian Press, 2018