Fire protection without pollution – isn’t that what we all want? Yet the chemicals currently used leave a legacy that will live on far past their expiration. A better way is out there, and we have the means to make it the standard. For the sake of our families, communities, and shared homes, change cannot wait – the need for PFAS-free alternatives is now.
Understanding the Mechanism of AFFF With PFAS
Synthetic foams containing per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are designed for class B or flammable liquid fires. Known as aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), these products use PFAS as surfactants that help the foam spread over fires to suppress flames. While very effective, AFFF is a major source of PFAS pollution in the environment.
Class A foams target wildfires and structural blazes, avoiding PFAS chemicals. However, AFFF may be used in some cases where liquid fuels are present, like at gas stations or around oil containers.
Traditionally, AFFF contained perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which are highly persistent in the environment and have documented health impacts.
As a result, these chemicals are being phased out in many areas. Still, they remain widespread due to past usage. Newer AFFF formulations replace PFOS/PFOA but also contain toxic and persistent PFAS, which is challenging to remove from water supplies.
Firefighters face particular PFAS exposure risks. They encounter AFFF during training and responses, and some protective gear incorporates PFAS as well.
How Toxic Is PFAS?
A large US study conducted from 2005-2013 analyzed blood samples from approximately 69,000 individuals living near a DuPont manufacturing plant.
The study found probable links between PFOA exposure and several health conditions, including high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, testicular cancer, kidney cancer, and pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Additional research has also reported that PFOS and PFOA may negatively impact the immune system. By suppressing immune responses, these chemicals could reduce vaccine effectiveness. Animal studies have further tied PFOS and PFOA to low birth weight, birth defects, developmental delays, and newborn mortality.
An expert in PFAS remediation commented on the long-understood environmental persistence of these substances.
Ian Ross leads PFAS practices at environmental engineering firm CDM Smith. He noted that it had been known since at least the 1950s that PFAS compounds are extremely durable in the environment. However, they continue to be widely used in dispersive applications like firefighting foams since 1962 despite this known characteristic.
Firefighters and the Threat PFAS Poses to Their Wellness
Firefighters face occupational risks from exposure to long-chain per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), especially those contained in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used for class B fires.
Studies have found elevated serum PFAS levels among firefighters. Due to PFAS persistence in the human body and the ability to bioaccumulate over time, firefighters experience cumulative effects from AFFF exposure throughout their careers.
Civilian and military firefighters have the highest exposure risk, particularly if their workplaces lack recommended personal protective equipment from safety organizations. Other workers could face risks if their industries used AFFFs to fight class B fires, such as chemical plants, airports, or petroleum facilities.
PFAS contamination has also become a major public and environmental concern. Data shows over 16 million Americans in 33 states and Puerto Rico receive tap water contaminated with PFAS from sources like groundwater pollution across 38 states.
Many firefighters, military families, and neighbors worry that years of firefighting foam exposure have caused long-term harm. Some have already developed health issues linked to occupational or water-contamination PFAS exposure.
Victims are hence pursuing legal action through lawsuits such as the AFFF lawsuit to seek justice and compensation for conditions allegedly resulting from PFAS exposures. Ongoing research continues to improve understanding of firefighter and public health risks tied to these substances.
Are There Any PFAS-Free Foams?
The US Department of Defense (DOD) recently added the first synthetic fluorine-free firefighting foam (SFFF) to its Qualified Products List (QPL). This represents a significant development as it is the only SFFF commercially available.
Test results indicate that SFFF exceeds the performance of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) in certain metrics like burn-back resistance, drain time, and expansion ratio. Additionally, SFFF is biodegradable and contains no intentionally added per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). It also works with various equipment systems.
The addition of SFFF to the QPL is timely. For over 50 years, DOD mandated the use of AFFF at its 700+ sites based on a 1967 fire standard.
While DOD no longer required AFFF in 2019, existing performance standards and lack of alternatives meant its use would likely continue. Then, in 2023, Congress updated firefighting standards and barred new AFFF purchases by October 2023 and use by October 2024.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also adheres to DOD standards for commercial airports. While authorizing SFFF, the FAA does not yet require airports to transition from legacy AFFF.
However, several states have banned PFAS-containing foams, with exceptions for federal law compliance. Once SFFF is more available, these exemptions may no longer apply.
With qualified SFFF options, transitioning from AFFF provides an opportunity to minimize liabilities for military bases and airports.
While not immediately mandatory, timely planning ensures compliance as PFAS rules and guidance continue evolving across industries. Proactively addressing solutions supports long-term regulatory alignment.
FAQs
1. Are firefighters still using PFAS-containing foam?
A: With the exception of operators of specific facilities, terminals, and oil refineries (refer to alternate deadlines below), the use, distribution, and manufacture of class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals in California has been prohibited since January 1, 2022.
2. What serves as a safe alternative to AFFF?
A: GreenFire Firefighting Foam (GFFF) is a PFAS-free, non-toxic alternative to AFFF foam.
3. What are firefighting foam options without PFAS?
A: FireStopper® Non-toxic AFFF Replacement Firefighting Foams are capable of extinguishing all classes of fires rapidly and effectively. One application of FireStopper® PFAS-Free Firefighting Foam can address fires of all classes, including ABCD&K. FireStopper® PFAS-Free AFFF is versatile and efficient for all fire types.
The need is clear. For the health of our communities and future generations, we must replace harmful PFAS chemicals with sustainable alternatives that protect lives without endangering them.
Together, through commitment and action, we can safeguard both firefighters and citizens from preventable threats. The time to change is upon us.