Firefighting technology is quickly advancing as new options to AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) gain prominence. For many years, AFFF has been the primary choice for extinguishing fires involving flammable liquids.
However, its use has led to environmental and health issues due to the presence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These substances are well-known for their long-lasting nature in the environment, resulting in water supply contamination and severe health hazards.
With increasing legal action against AFFF manufacturers, the quest for safer and more efficient firefighting techniques is gaining momentum.
This article delves into the most recent alternatives to AFFF and their role in transforming firefighting safety.
Understanding the Dangers of AFFF Foam
TOO MANY ADS? GO AD-FREE
Did You Know?: The ads you see on this site help pay for our website and our work. However, we know some of our readers would rather pay and not see ads. For those users we offer a paid newsletter that contains our articles with no ads.
What You Get: A daily email digest of our articles in full-text with no ads.
Although AFFF is highly efficient at extinguishing flammable liquid fires, its use of PFAS compounds has caused concern. PFAS (also “forever chemicals,”) resist breaking down and are also associated with health issues, such as cancer and liver damage. These risks have led to legal action and efforts to eliminate PFAS-containing foams in firefighting.
In recent legal developments, the Massachusetts State Senate has passed a measure. It’s regarding the prohibition of PFAS in firefighters’ turnout gear by 2027. On a similar level, Alaska has directed fire departments to restrict the usage of PFAS-containing firefighting foams by January 2025. Additionally, there have been over 9,525 ongoing AFFF lawsuits, involving water contamination and health problems associated with PFAS exposure.
Given these significant concerns, safer firefighting foams are urgently needed. Let’s explore the emerging alternatives for establishing new safety standards in firefighting.
Fluorine-Free Foam (F3)
Fluorine-free foams (F3) show great promise as a substitute for AFFF. Unlike AFFF, which contains toxic fluorinated compounds, F3 is biodegradable and has no long-term environmental hazards. It is equally effective in extinguishing fires, especially those with flammable liquids. Hence, it’s an excellent choice for the environment and firefighting individuals.
By eliminating fluorinated chemicals, F3 significantly decreases water contamination and health hazards. It provides a sustainable alternative for fire departments transitioning from harmful traditional foams.
Water Mist Systems
Water mist systems are an innovative way to suppress fires. They work by cooling fires and reducing oxygen levels with fine water droplets, providing a chemical-free option compared to AFFF. These systems are especially effective in minimizing environmental impact. The reason is that they use significantly less water, up to 90% less, than traditional sprinklers.
Their flexibility makes them suitable for various settings, from small rooms to large warehouses. In addition, water mist systems have lower cleanup costs, quicker installation, and greater durability than conventional systems.
Furthermore, the NFPA 750 provides detailed standards and guidelines for the design, installation, and maintenance of water mist systems. These standards help guide the engineering of these systems to be safe for use in various environments. As firefighting departments strive to reduce their environmental impact, water mist systems are gaining popularity.
Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS)
CAFS is a significant advancement in firefighting technology. It integrates compressed air with a foam solution to produce a lightweight foam. This results in a more potent fire-suppressing agent that uses less water and provides superior coverage.
CAFS is particularly effective in combating structural fires, offering a flexible solution that minimizes environmental impact. Moreover, the foam produced by CAFS adheres better to vertical surfaces and can penetrate deeper into porous surfaces. Hence, its effectiveness is observed in various types of fires, including those involving flammable liquids and gases.
The technology has been adapted for use in both portable formats for rapid response and in larger systems. Innovations in CAFS can be deployed in a range of challenging environments, from urban settings to remote areas. By establishing a fire safety and sustainability standard, CAFS is becoming the choice for fire departments seeking to replace AFFF.
Protein-Based Foams
Protein-based foams, derived from natural proteins, provide a biodegradable option instead of AFFF. These foams form a dense, durable layer that extinguishes fires, especially those involving hydrocarbons.
According to TruLaw, the persistent nature of the PFAS present in AFFF has been the primary cause of its adverse impact. A key benefit of protein-based foams is their excellent ecological profile. Unlike AFFF, these foams naturally decompose, reducing the risk of water pollution.
Recent studies indicate that a new gel-protein foam surpasses traditional fluoro-protein foams in terms of stability in extinguishing fires. With improved performance measures like burn-back time and water loss ratio, protein-based foams are compelling for widespread use in industries.
FAQs
1. Why is AFFF being swapped out?
PFAS in AFFF has been linked to a variety of health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and immune system disruptions. As a result, there is a significant push to replace AFFF with fluorine-free alternatives that do not contain PFAS. However, the phase-out process involves significant logistical and financial challenges. It includes the need to replace existing firefighting equipment and retrain personnel on the use of new foam formulations.
2. Which AFFF substitutes show the greatest promise?
Promising substitutes include protein-based foams, water mist systems, compressed air foam systems (CAFS), and fluorine-free foam (F3). They provide efficient fire control with little harm to the environment. Known for its versatility, Cold Fire can also extinguish fires across multiple classes (A, B, D, and K).
3. What distinguishes water mist systems from conventional firefighting techniques?
Water mist systems provide a chemical-free substitute for conventional techniques. They use tiny water droplets to put out flames and lower oxygen levels. They are extremely effective and ecologically beneficial because they use approximately 90% less water and need less cleaning.
The firefighting sector is shifting away from AFFF and embracing new alternatives. Instances include fluorine-free foams, wet chemical agents, water mist systems, CAFS, protein-based foams, and CO2 systems. These innovations enhance safety, sustainability, and firefighting effectiveness. They further reduce ecological impacts and protect health from long-term PFAS exposure.
