PFAS in Firefighting Foam

Many firefighting foams still contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, though fluorine-free foams are available. The most common form of these is aqueous film-forming foams. Manufacturers specifically infuse these additives into foams because they can effectively help to extinguish liquid fuel fires.

PFAS chemicals are an environmental and public health hazard. They can persist in the environment for years, with certain PFAS chemicals persisting for decades. PFAS exposure risk continues long after firefighters extinguish the fire.

Local fire departments across the U.S. have used PFAS-based firefighting foam for more than 50 years. Though some states or municipalities restrict their use, many localities still maintain an inventory of the foam and would use it under certain circumstances. The military, firefighter training facilities and airports routinely use PFAS firefighting foam.

The military’s routine and extensive use dates at least as far back as 1963, when the Navy applied for a patent for adding PFAS chemical to firefighting foam. Despite state and municipal restrictions, PFAS foam application continues. For example, NC Newsline reported in April 2023 that state data showed North Carolina fire departments had put out 51 fires using PFAS-containing firefighting foam and had more than 120,000 gallons of it on hand.

PFAS Foam vs. PFAS-Free Foam

Many fire departments are transitioning to the use of PFAS-free foam or fluorine-free foam. In January 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense announced plans to phase out PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam. The timeline for moving to fluorine-free foam depends on finding an alternative that effectively extinguishes class B hydrocarbon liquid fuel fires. 

Both PFAS and PFAS-free foams are synthetic materials and contain solvents. Fluorine-free foam, however, doesn’t bioaccumulate.

While PFAS are effective for extinguishing liquid fuel fires, research suggests that PFAS are associated with detrimental impacts on human and animal health. PFAS contamination causes long-term environmental toxicity.

Anyone working with PFAS firefighting foam or in an area where firefighters have used PFAS foam is at risk of exposure. Though firefighters are most vulnerable to direct exposure to toxic chemicals, the PFAS in firefighting foam can contaminate the environment when discharged during training, system testing or liquid-fuel fire incidents. Accidental discharges can also occur.

After discharge, PFAS firefighting foam seeps into the ground or runs off into nearby water sources, leading to PFAS-contaminated water and soil. Contaminants in the soil can then percolate into groundwater systems used to supply drinking water. When the chemicals leach into soils used to plant crops, plants may absorb them, leading to PFAS in the food supply.

PFAS threatens human and environmental health, and everyone is at risk of exposure. Furthermore, the risks are ongoing, as cleanup efforts are costly and time-consuming. A U.S. Government Accountability Office study estimates future costs to investigate and clean up environmental PFAS could total more than $2.1 billion, in addition to the $1.1 billion spent on efforts before 2021.

Exposure to PFAS chemicals leads to potential adverse health impacts, most significantly several forms of cancer. Though everyone is at risk, higher exposure rates are likely more detrimental. 

One study found that residents in a New Hampshire community with documented PFAS-contaminated drinking water had twice the average levels of forever chemicals in their bodies as the general U.S. population. They were at significantly higher risk of contracting four or more cancer types.

An Australian study found higher rates of prostate cancer in communities with PFAS firefighting foam contamination. The study also found higher rates of testicular cancer, though the number of men with the disease was low.

Research on the health effects of PFAS is ongoing. However, evidence of potential adverse impacts is significant enough to raise warnings about the continued use of these chemicals.

In 2018, Washington state became the first to implement legislative measures restricting PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam. More than 100 similar laws have since passed, demonstrating the growing concern surrounding exposure in the general population, firefighters and military personnel. State legislators introduced another 195 bills in the first half of 2023.

The harmful impacts of these chemicals have led to hundreds of PFAS lawsuits against manufacturers such as DuPont and 3M, alleging that these manufacturers knew the health and environmental risks but failed to warn the public.

Avoiding PFAS is challenging, though individuals can take steps to minimize exposure. Anyone with documented exposure and an associated health condition may want to seek legal advice regarding their options.