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December 4, 2024

The history of PFAS in Aqueous Film Forming Foams

The history of PFAS in Aqueous Film Forming Foams

Have you ever wondered about the history of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)? This synthetic foam is one of the most powerful tools for fighting fuel fires, where water or chemical agents aren’t suitable. Its PFAS-based ingredients make it very effective at putting out and cooling these dangerous fires. But AFFF has become a major source of PFAS contamination, posing serious risks to both our environment and our health. In particular, it poses a hidden danger for firefighters, airport workers, and people living near military airbases or civilian airports.

The invention and early use of AFFF

In the 1960s, the U.S. Navy, in partnership with 3M, began researching synthetic chemicals to improve firefighting foam. They wanted to create a better way to put out hydrocarbon fuel fires. This led to the discovery that Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), like PFOA and PFOS, could be used to create a foam with unique fire-suppressing properties. The result was Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), which quickly extinguished fires and prevented reignition.

AFFF works by using PFAS-based surfactants to lower the surface tension of water. In 1966, the Navy patented AFFF, and by the late 1960s, the U.S. military began requiring its use on all vessels and installations.

The key role of PFAS in AFFF

The unique properties of PFAS, such as water-repellent and fire-suppressing qualities, make it highly effective for extinguishing fires. PFAS in AFFF, including PFOA and PFOS, allowed the foam to quickly spread across flammable liquids, forming a film that suppresses vapors, cuts off oxygen, and prevents re-ignition. This made it an ideal solution for military and aviation firefighting needs.

How PFAS in AFFF poses long-term dangers

Since the 1970s, scientists have been warning about the dangers of PFAS chemicals, which are commonly used in firefighting foams like AFFF. These chemicals are highly stable and do not break down easily, which makes them useful in industrial applications. However, this stability also means they accumulate in the environment and living organisms.

  • A 2007 study showed that over 98% of people in the U.S. had detectable levels of PFAS in their blood. This widespread contamination is a result of the chemicals’ persistence and ability to travel long distances.
  • PFAS in AFFF are toxic and potentially carcinogenic. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified PFOA, a common PFAS compound, as a human carcinogen (Group 1). These chemicals are not only harmful to humans but also pose serious risks to wildlife.
  • Research has shown that PFAS negatively impacts marine life, including seabirds, fish, and mussels. As these chemicals accumulate in the water, they harm ecosystems and the species that depend on them for survival.

Although PFAS are being phased out, newer alternatives in firefighting foams still present similar challenges. They remain difficult and expensive to remove from water sources, continuing to pose a risk to both the environment and human health. Firefighters are particularly at risk, as they frequently come into contact with AFFF during training and real-life fire responses. 

Reducing firefighter PFAS: A shift from AFFF

Mounting concerns about PFAS contamination have prompted significant changes in firefighting practices. Lawsuits revealed widespread soil and water pollution caused by decades of AFFF use on military bases. This has brought increased attention to the risks of Firefighter PFAS exposure, which includes health issues like cancer, liver damage, and immune system suppression.

In response, the Department of Defense mandated a gradual phase-out of AFFF in favor of fluorine-free alternatives. By 2024, all military installations are required to stop using AFFF, with limited exceptions until 2026.

State governments are also taking action. So far, 34 states have introduced policies to ban or limit AFFF use, with Ohio leading as the first state committed to destroying all remaining supplies. These measures are helping fire stations transition to safer foams, though progress remains uneven. For firefighters, reducing exposure to PFAS is critical. Many still work in environments where AFFF is stored or used, heightening their risk of Firefighter PFAS-related health problems. The challenge lies in fully implementing these solutions across the country.

Detecting PFAS exposure early may help protect your health

Firefighters are at heightened risk for PFAS exposure due to frequent contact with AFFF and other sources. Monitoring PFAS levels is crucial to ensure long-term health and well-being. At Firefighter Toxin Tests, we’re committed to helping firefighters lead healthier lives. Our CLIA-certified dried blood spot test detects 18 different PFAS compounds with high precision. This test is processed in our CLIA-certified lab in Reno, NV, using state-of-the-art equipment and scientific methods.

You can order our PFAS test kits directly through this website or inquire about bulk testing services for fire departments. Take the first step in protecting your health—purchase your firefighter PFAS test today.