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.

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Firefighting foam and cancer leave military firefighters on edge
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Department of Defense firefighters worry about their health after research links testicular cancer to PFAS found in foam
$30K donation helps Ga. FD purchase a foam trailer for industrial site fires
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Two Glynn County industries each gave $15k after plant fires caused evacuation orders and significant damage
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Webinar: Expert roundtable: The gas threat response
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How to address real-world scenarios
3M announces $10.3B settlement over 'forever chemicals' in firefighting foam
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The payout will settle lawsuits against 3M regarding PFAS in public drinking water systems
3M, PFAS settlement possible as 'forever chemical' trial now delayed
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The first in several trials over firefighting foam and groundwater contamination was scheduled to begin Monday
R.I. files lawsuit against manufacturers of 'forever chemicals'
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A.G. Peter Neronha takes on PFAS and companies allegedly violating consumer protection laws
Do-not-drink order for thousands in Maine after foam enters water system during fire
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Firefighting foam entered the public water distribution system during a fatal fire in an apartment building for seniors
Video: Ariz. firefighters spray foam on bees; mom stung over 75 times while protecting kids
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The woman was transported from Buckeye Valley to a hospital for treatment
EPA plans to limit toxic 'forever chemicals' in drinking water for the first time
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The chemicals leach out of many product types, including firefighting foam
Seattle airport's PFAS legacy: 'Foam showers,' sick firefighters and contaminated water
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Since the Defense Department published performance specifications for PFAS-free foams in January, this may be the year when airports start making the switch
3M says it will stop PFAS-product manufacturing
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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
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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?
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Arizona researchers will work with firefighters as they build on prior findings and possible prevention opportunities
EPA to designate PFAS hazardous substances
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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
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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
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The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report offers guidance for clinical testing and treatment
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