GENERAL BACKGROUND

Firefighting foam is a foam used for fire suppression. Its role is to cool the fire and to coat the fuel, preventing its contact with oxygen, stopping the formation of flammable vapors. This provides dramatic fire knockdown, an important factor in crash rescue fire fighting. Firefighting Foam is widely used by firefighters, military personnel, and at airports for commercial use.

Major health organizations like The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the American Cancer Society (ACS) have noted that certain PFAS may be linked to cancer in firefighters. In fact, the EPA has classified PFAS as “emerging contaminants.” meaning they are likely dangerous to human health.

The most studied toxic chemicals in AFFF are perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Originally produced by 3M, these compounds have been used in manufacturing all kinds of chemical products. Although efficient, PFASs have unique properties that cause them to persist, accumulate in the blood and body of people exposed to them and are also extremely persistent in the environment and likely have toxic effects on human health.