Firefighting Foam

Firefighting foam has long been used as an alternative to water, giving firefighters the ability to douse specific types of fire. There are several types of firefighting foam: regular protein foam, fluoroprotein foam, film-forming fluoroprotein foam (FFFP), alcohol resistant (FFFP), aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), alcohol-resistant (AFFF), and Class A foam, plus its related compressed air foam systems (CAFS). Firefighters use AFFF to help extinguish difficult-to-fight fires, particularly fires that involve petroleum or other flammable liquids ‚ known as Class B fires. Of note is the concern about firefighters’ exposure to toxic chemicals from firefighting foam. Specifically, some AFFF formulations contain a class of chemicals known as perfluorochemicals (PFCs), a group of toxic chemicals that includes PFOA and PFOS and other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These so-called “forever chemicals” may take hundreds of years to break down in the environment, contaminating groundwater and potentially causing health problems. PFOS were used in the manufacturing of firefighting foam through the early-2000s, although some foam that contains it may still be in service. U.S.-based manufacturers have since used other short-chain PFAS in an effort to be safer.

Sort by:

EPA plans to limit toxic 'forever chemicals' in drinking water for the first time
–

The chemicals leach out of many product types, including firefighting foam
Seattle airport's PFAS legacy: 'Foam showers,' sick firefighters and contaminated water
–

Since the Defense Department published performance specifications for PFAS-free foams in January, this may be the year when airports start making the switch
Sponsored content

On-Demand Webinar: The Power of Mobile – How police and fire agencies are funding effective smartphone programs
–

T-Mobile

This informative webinar will provide key information on how two public safety agencies (one police and one fire) funded comprehensive smartphone programs that provided issued devices to all personnel.
3M says it will stop PFAS-product manufacturing
–

Chairman and Chief Executive Mike Roman says PFAS can be used safely but describes the regulatory and business environment as "rapidly evolving"
PFAS Act passes House of Representatives, expected to be signed into law
–

The bill creates an online public repository of tools and best practices for firefighters to reduce the release of and exposure to PFAS
Study: Could lowering levels of PFAS in blood reduce risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease?
–

Arizona researchers will work with firefighters as they build on prior findings and possible prevention opportunities
EPA to designate PFAS hazardous substances
–

The designation means that releases of the chemicals that meet or exceed a certain quantity would have to be reported to federal, state or tribal officials
Electric vehicle fires: Where the waiting game wins
–

Firefighters love testing new tactics and tools, but some methods simply don’t address the key issue with EV fires
Report calls for expanded PFAS testing for firefighters, others with elevated exposure
–

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report offers guidance for clinical testing and treatment
Plane crash-lands at Miami airport, bursts into flames, injuring 3
–

Miami-Dade Fire-Rescue firefighters doused the RED Air Flight 203 fire with foam
Study uses wristbands to track firefighters' exposures to carcinogens
–

The Duke University researchers' findings may be helpful in determining where and when the risks are highest
Australian study shows blood donations may decrease PFAS in firefighters' bodies
–

The firefighters who donated blood had a 10% decrease in PFAS, and those who donated plasma had a 30% reduction
Gillibrand introduces bill to ban PFAS from firefighting foam
–

Within two years of enactment, the act would ban the manufacture, import or sale of any firefighting foam that includes PFAS
Mass. congressional report lists 30 proposals to decrease PFAS prevalence
–

Rich MacKinnon Jr., president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, wants the National Fire Protection Association to ban the use of PFAS in fire gear
Ind. governor announces program to rid FDs of hazardous firefighting foam
–

About 200 fire departments out of over 800 have already joined the effort and ID'd more than 50,000 gallons of PFAS-containing foam that will be disposed of
IAFF supports firefighters suing over PFAS in turnout gear
–

One of the defendants, 3M, says it no longer makes the foam mentioned and it stands by its products’ safety
Load More