The Future of Firefighting: Are AFFF Alternatives Really Safe?
Aqueous film-forming foam, or AFFF, is a widely used fire suppressant. It works best to extinguish liquid-based fires, like those arising from oil or gasoline leakage. However, prolonged AFFF exposure can be detrimental to humans, wildlife, and the environment alike. The culprit is the principal component PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances).
PFAS are toxic chemicals that, once spread in the environment, are difficult to eliminate. Long-term exposure to PFAS is believed to cause several medical complications like asthma, thyroid, cholesterol, liver issues, and even terminal cancers. It’s also been reported to have contaminated drinking water and thereby pose a serious threat to public health.
Firefighters carry the highest risk of PFAS exposure. In several AFFF-related conditions, affected families have filed lawsuits claiming hefty compensation. That being said, the authorities are exploring safer alternatives to AFFF foams, predominantly with fluorine-free formulations. However, the safety remains debatable.
This article offers vital insights into understanding the first-hand hazards of AFFF foams, the laws surrounding them, and the alternatives in the offing.
AFFF and Public Health Crisis-How Are We Fighting Back ?
As a class-B firefighting foam, AFFF has been in use since the 1970s. From fire departments to military installations, AFFF has shown commendable results in extinguishing flammable liquid fires.
AFFF foams can contain different levels of PFAS, which is a synthetic combination of carbon and fluorine. PFAS is often referred to as "forever chemicals," which means the effect is permanent. Unlike their counterparts, these chemicals don't decompose or break down once released, whether in the environment or inside the human body.
The release of PFAS into the air over decades has affected public health globally. In the US itself, several states report multiple health issues due to PFAS exposure. Take Wisconsin, for example. The "Badger State" has long witnessed massive AFFF contamination, forcing the state authorities to implement stringent laws curbing the usage of AFFF foams.
- In September 2020, Wisconsin enforced restrictions against releasing PFAS-containing firefighting foam into sewage systems and surface water. It was the first major step towards striking a balance between the environment and the well-being of Wisconsin’s firefighters and other citizens.
- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources also developed an action plan that demanded the collection, disposal, and remediation of PFAS-containing firefighting foam and all contaminated sites.
Other US states fighting PFAS contamination and aftereffects of AFFF exposure are flooding courts with a class-action AFFF lawsuit. Some of the distinguished manufacturers held for negligence in AFFF lawsuits include 3M, Tyco, Dupont. To expedite all pending AFFF lawsuits in the federal court, all class action filings were consolidated as a Multi District Litigation. TorHoerman Law notes that no matter how strong the action plans are, there’s no reversing the damage done. However, the compensation that the suffering families receive will significantly cover the medical expenses.
Adopting Functional Measures to Mitigate the Dangers of AFFF
Different states in the US have different laws against AFFF foam usage. But PFAS-containing foams are now mainly reserved for military training exercises and emergency situations. In recent years, government agencies and other bodies have devised commendable measures to stop the rot.
- A 2022 report released by the EPA showed over 900 spills of PFAS-containing firefighting foams which have contaminated the local water systems.
- Further in 2023, the EPA also announced “unprecedented new limits” to tackle the toxicity of “forever chemicals”, especially with drinking water contamination. The action plan targets the most dangerous PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, GenX, PFBS, PFNA and PFHxS).
- In June 2024, the Department of Defense (DOD) presented a list of 714 DOD and National Guard sites that “require an assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) use or potential release.”
Robert Bilot, the first attorney to raise their voice against the dangers of PFAS chemicals, called EPA’s move “a huge victory.” Earlier, Bilot’s critically acclaimed book “Exposure” was adapted for the silver screen in 2019. Mark Ruffalo played the role of Bilot in “Dark Waters.”
Are AFFF Alternatives Really Safe ?
Multiple studies depict occupational AFFF users are at a greater risk of developing terminal conditions like cancer. That’s where fluorine-free foams come in. Apparently, it’s a viable fire suppressant that uses a combination of phosphate betaine silicone surfactant (PPSS) and hydrocarbon surfactants.
But the question is, are fluorine-free AFFF alternatives absolutely safe?
Well, there are supporting research studies on solvent neurotoxicity that show not-so favorable effects of hydrocarbon surfactants and solvents, especially on the central nervous system. This includes dizziness, moderate to severe headache, seizures, and even death. Besides, long-term solvent exposure can also trigger neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.Although the US government has already begun replacing AFFF foams, the transition is rather slow. After all, eradicating AFFFs is downright complex. Besides, firefighters need to be trained to use the new foams effectively. Where it stands now, fluorine-free formulations replacing AFFF foams are a lesser evil. Yet, this is the only available option to date for mitigating public health risks.