We are subject to federal, provincial, state local, and municipal laws, rules and regulations in Canada and the United States regarding product safety, health, environmental and noise pollution and other issues that could cause us to incur fines or penalties or increase our operating costs, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition. A failure to comply with, or compliance with, any such requirements or any new requirements could result in increased expenses to modify our products, or harm to our reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition. Certain jurisdictions require or are considering requiring a license to operate certain of our products. While such licensing requirements are not expected to be unduly restrictive, they may deter potential customers, thereby reducing sales. Our products are also subject to laws, rules and regulations imposing environmental, noise emission, zoning and permitting restrictions, which laws, rules and regulations are subject to change and may limit the locations where our products may be sold or used or restrict their use during certain times or on certain conditions. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to adapt health and safety measures throughout our facilities to comply with changing local regulations in connection with the COVID-19 health crisis, resulting in incremental costs. Additional costs and investments might be required in the future if new regulations or restrictions are put in place.
Climate change is receiving increasing attention worldwide. A perceived consensus among scientists, legislators and others regarding the impact of increased levels of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, on climate change has led to significant legislative and regulatory efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gas regulations could require us to purchase allowances to offset our emissions or result in an overall increase in costs of raw materials or operating expenses, any of which could reduce competitiveness in a global economy or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition. Many of our suppliers face similar circumstances. Moreover, we and our suppliers may face greater regulatory or customer pressure to offer products that generate less emissions. This may require the expenditure of significant funds on R&D implementation and subject us to the risk that our competitors may respond to these pressures in a manner that gives them a competitive advantage. The development of such products may also present challenges in maintaining the look, sound and feel of our products. While additional regulations of emissions in the future appear likely, it is too early to predict whether such regulation could ultimately have a material adverse effect on the our business, results of operations or financial condition.