What is Firefighting Foam?
In the battle against blazes, firefighters have long relied on a foam known as Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF). This firefighting ally has been a staple in extinguishing fuel fires. However, beneath the surface of this seemingly benign foam lies a troubling reality: AFFF is laden with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of chemicals increasingly linked to cancer and other health risks.
Unfortunately, these chemicals have also been seeping into our water supplies, leading to concerns about their presence in our environment. In June 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that two PFAS compounds, PFOA and PFOS, are not safe at any level in drinking water. The widespread use of these firefighting foams has resulted in soil and groundwater contamination at numerous military bases and communities across the country.
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Rhon Jones Toxic Torts Section Head Montgomery, AL -
David Diab Associate Montgomery, AL -
Elizabeth Weyerman Associate Montgomery, AL -
Tucker Osborne Associate Montgomery, AL
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PFAS In AFFF
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been linked to a variety of health issues. Scientific research has uncovered connections between PFAS exposure and several medical conditions, such as developmental problems during pregnancy or breastfeeding, issues with the thyroid gland, higher levels of cholesterol, and a greater risk of getting some types of cancer like in the thyroid, kidney, bladder, or testicles. Besides these issues, PFAS can also harm your skin and, in really bad situations, cause blindness.
Even though people are aware of the dangers, there hasn’t been enough research on how firefighters are affected by certain chemicals, specifically from the firefighting foam known as AFFF. The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) is really pushing for more studies to understand this better. When firefighters use this foam, they can accidentally breathe in these harmful substances or get them on their skin. Once inside the body, PFAS can persist for years, and with each additional exposure, the concentration of these chemicals can build up, potentially leading to health complications. The IAFF’s efforts aim to shed light on the long-term effects of PFAS on firefighters, emphasizing the need for protective measures and policies to safeguard their health.
Fighting the Wrong Fires: Deadly Equipment
The risk associated with PFAS extends beyond AFFF. For decades, these chemicals have been woven into the very fabric of firefighting gear. PFAS’s ability to repel water and contaminants has made it a valuable asset in protective equipment. Yet, ironically, donning this gear equates to enveloping oneself in materials composed of suspected carcinogens.
A safer alternative to AFFF now exists, signaling a new era in firefighting. Yet, despite this advancement, an estimated tens of thousands of gallons of AFFF still reside in fire stations across the nation, a lingering shadow of a less informed past.
The End of AFFF?
In 2023, the US Department of Defense announced plans to stop purchasing PFAS firefighting foam. The department will phase out AFFF entirely by 2024.
More than 30 states have implemented policies aimed at banning or restricting AFFF use, showing a collective recognition of the need for change.
Still, AFFF firefighting foam continues to be widely used despite the known risks. The federal government only regulates how PFAS chemicals are made, brought into the country and their disposal. It doesn’t control the chemicals’ commercial use.
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