AFFF (Firefighting Foam)

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is a fire suppressant used for decades, primarily at military bases, airports, and industrial facilities, to extinguish flammable liquid fires. Its effectiveness stems from its ability to quickly create a film over the fuel, preventing vapors from igniting. However, AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of man-made chemicals linked to various health concerns.

PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment and can accumulate in the human body. Exposure to PFAS has been associated with certain cancers, thyroid disorders, liver damage, and immune system issues. The use of AFFF has led to widespread contamination of groundwater and soil, raising significant environmental and public health concerns.

Due to the health risks associated with PFAS, there’s been a growing movement to phase out AFFF containing these chemicals and transition to safer alternatives. Research and development efforts are focused on creating fluorine-free foams that offer comparable fire suppression capabilities without the harmful effects of PFAS. Many lawsuits have also been filed against manufacturers of AFFF, alleging they knew about the dangers of PFAS but continued to produce and sell the product.