MAY 15, 2025 Invisible, toxic and slow to break down — forever chemicals are contaminating our food and water. Here's what we know about forever chemical hotspots in Canada. CBC News tracks forever chemical hotspots. DESIGN: ANDREW MCMANUS/CBC
Quebec toxicologist Marc-André Verner said the latest science suggests there may be no safe level of exposure to PFAS.
At the same time, the chemicals are so pervasive that it doesn't take living near a hotspot to be exposed. In fact, the vast majority of Canadians have forever chemicals in their blood. The main way many people are exposed to them is through food, especially fish, seafood and meat.
But if you live near a contaminated site, your drinking water could also be a significant source of exposure.
'If it's in the underground water and you're on a private well with the same underground water, then it becomes a concern for you, that's for sure,' Verner said.
His advice is to find out what levels are in your drinking water, and to find out what local officials are doing to address the issue.
Health Canada advises anyone concerned to reach out to local authorities for advice.
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