Firefighting foam has long been hailed as a crucial tool in combating large-scale fires and extinguishing flammable liquid spills. However, recent scientific research and growing public concern have shed light on the potential dangers associated with a group of chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly found in firefighting foam.
These persistent and bioaccumulative chemicals have raised significant environmental and health concerns due to their widespread use and resistance to degradation.
In this article, we will explore the dangers of PFAS in firefighting foam.
Table of Contents
What is PFAS?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, comprises more than 9,000 artificial chemicals. They have been used worldwide for over seven decades in various industries and consumer goods.
Among these compounds are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and Hexafluoropropylene Oxide Dimer Acid (also referred to as “GenX”). PFAS finds applications in a wide array of products and sectors, including firefighting foam, stain-resistant fabrics, food-handling materials, medical devices, paints, and more.
Their widespread use and resistance to degradation have led to their accumulation in the environment, posing concerns for human exposure and environmental contamination.
How Does PFAS Get Into Firefighting Foam?
PFAS find their way into firefighting foam primarily through intentional formulation. These chemicals are added to the foam to enhance its effectiveness in extinguishing flammable liquid fires. PFAS compounds possess unique properties that allow them to create a stable and effective firefighting foam capable of quickly suppressing fires.
The inclusion of PFAS in firefighting foam arises from their ability to lower the surface tension of water, enabling the foam to spread and form a cohesive barrier on the fuel surface. This property enhances the foam’s ability to smother fires, preventing the release of flammable vapors.
However, the characteristics that make PFAS useful in firefighting foam also contribute to their persistence and potential for harm. PFAS do not easily break down in the environment and can accumulate in soil and water systems, leading to contamination of drinking water sources and ecosystems.
What Are the Health Risks of PFAS Exposure?
Exposure to PFAS found in firefighting foam poses significant health risks. Scientific research has linked PFAS exposure to a range of adverse health effects. These chemicals are associated with an increased risk of cancer, particularly kidney and testicular cancer.
PFAS can also disrupt hormonal balance, leading to reproductive and developmental issues. Furthermore, PFAS exposure has been linked to immune system dysfunction, liver damage, thyroid disorders, and elevated cholesterol levels.
The bioaccumulative nature of PFAS means that they persist in the human body over time, increasing the potential for long-term health consequences.
Who Is at Risk of PFAS Exposure From Firefighting Foam?
Individuals at risk of PFAS exposure from firefighting foam include firefighters, first responders, and those who work in or near facilities where the foam is used or stored. These individuals are susceptible to direct exposure during firefighting operations, training exercises, or accidental spills.
Additionally, communities located near airports, military bases, and industrial sites where firefighting foam is commonly used may also face the risk of exposure through contaminated groundwater, soil, or air. Efforts to mitigate exposure risks are essential to safeguard the health and well-being of those potentially affected by PFAS in firefighting foam.
The Firefighting Foam Lawsuit
The dangers of PFAS in firefighting foam have led to the emergence of a firefighting foam lawsuit. Individuals and communities affected by PFAS contamination have filed lawsuits against foam manufacturers, chemical producers, and fire departments, seeking compensation for health issues and environmental damage.
TorHoerman Law notes that these lawsuits allege negligence, failure to warn, and environmental contamination caused by the use of PFAS-containing foam. The legal actions aim to hold responsible parties accountable for the negative consequences associated with PFAS exposure, including health problems and property devaluation.
The outcomes of these lawsuits could have significant implications for regulations, industry practices, and the financial liabilities of the parties involved.
What Can Be Done to Reduce the Risk of PFAS Exposure?
According to Colorado Newsline, after facing extensive scrutiny from U.S. legislators and environmental activists, the Department of Defense has made the decision to cease the procurement of firefighting foam containing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) later this year and completely eliminate its use by 2024.
However, the specific alternative to Aqueous Film Forming Foam is still under consideration. This leads to frustration among advocates who believe that it has taken excessive time to discontinue the utilization of a product that contains a “forever chemical.”
To reduce the present risk of PFAS exposure from firefighting foam, several measures can be taken, including:
- Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) may still be used but only in specific critical scenarios, such as hydrocarbon fires, alcohol-based product fires, and aviation accidents.
- For all other situations, including fire safety and fire protection system training, an alternative firefighting substance that is free from PFAS must be used.
What Is the Future of PFAS in Firefighting Foam?
According to the BBC, the United States government is introducing its initial regulations on six PFAS chemicals. The proposed restrictions, if enacted, have the potential to prevent numerous deaths over time, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Similarly, the European Commission is preparing to prohibit a group of PFAS compounds found in firefighting foams.
Fire departments and industry stakeholders are actively seeking alternatives that are effective in suppressing fires while minimizing the release of PFAS into the environment. Research and development efforts are focused on developing firefighting foams that are PFAS-free or have significantly reduced levels of these chemicals. Ensuring a safer and more sustainable approach to fire suppression in the future.
Conclusion
It’s clear that firefighting foam is a major source of PFAS exposure, and the health risks associated with these chemicals are serious. We hope this article has given you some insight into the dangers of these chemicals and what can be done about them.
If you or someone you know has been exposed to PFAS through contaminated firefighting foam, contact an attorney about your legal rights.