Developed in the 1960s by the U.S. Navy and 3M, Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) has been instrumental in tackling flammable liquid fires in industrial and aviation settings. AFFF saved numerous lives with its effectiveness, but recent studies have revealed just how dangerous it is.

Using AFFF raises significant health and environmental concerns, chiefly due to the presence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals, known for their persistence in the environment, are linked to various health issues.

If your business or industry has yet to dispose of any AFFF fire extinguishers or materials on-site, it’s important to know how to mitigate health risks to avoid long-term injuries to yourself, your employees, and the environment at large.

Understanding aqueous film-forming foam

Aqueous Film Forming Foam is a fluorine-containing firefighting foam used primarily for firefighter training, shipboard and shore facility fire suppression systems, and Class B materials (gasoline, oil, and jet fuel).

It works because AFFF creates a barrier that extinguishes the fire by cutting off the oxygen supply and cooling the fuel. 

It’s highly effective against some of the most difficult-to-fight fires, but states are banning the use of AFFF nationwide due to the hazardous effects of its active ingredients on the environment and the people exposed. In October 2024, the U.S. military plans to halt all use of AFFF, and the Federal Aviation Administration will follow soon after. 

Most states have already introduced or passed legislation banning the use of AFFF for firefighters during operations or training.

Latest research on aqueous film-forming foam health impacts

Recent studies underscore the persistence of PFAS in the environment and their capacity to enter the human body through air, water, and soil contamination. 

Organizations like the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have classified certain PFAS compounds as possible human carcinogens, highlighting the necessity for safer handling and disposal practices.

According to researchers with the Department of Defense and the EPA, exposure to AFFF can lead to:

• Asthma
• Changes in fetal and child development
• Changes in the immune system
• Cholesterol problems
• Fertility issues
• Increased risk of testicular, kidney, and other cancers
• Liver damage
• Pregnancy-induced hypertension/preeclampsia
• Thyroid disease
• Ulcerative colitis

Guidelines for safe handling

Safety professionals must adopt comprehensive safety measures to mitigate the health risks associated with AFFF.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Workers handling AFFF must wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, face shields or goggles to prevent splash hazards, and P2 respirators to filter out harmful particles.

Training and awareness

Implementing regular, in-depth training sessions that cover the risks of PFAS, safe handling procedures for AFFF, and emergency response measures is essential. 

This training should also address the proper use of PPE, spill response, and disposal methods to ensure all staff are prepared.

Disposal

When disposing of AFFF, it's critical to follow environmental regulations strictly. 

Work alongside an experienced hazardous waste disposal company as they have the tools and knowledge necessary to dispose of AFFF while following local and federal environmental regulations.

Storing AFFF

The following regulations come from the Department of Ecology:

• Don’t sell or give away AFFF to other fire departments.
• Protect AFFF containers and tanks from the elements.
• Store containers inside a building or shed.
• Use secondary containment to prevent the release of AFFF into the environment in the case of a spill or accident while in storage.
• Label containers and tanks with the contents, manufacture date, and any hazard(s) of
• the contents (e.g., Toxic & AFFF).
• Keep containers and tanks clean to see any signs of leakage or other problems when you inspect them.

Spill response and cleanup procedures

Establishing and practicing a spill response plan significantly reduces the risk of exposure. 

This includes immediate containment measures, proper cleanup protocols, and decontamination procedures to ensure that AFFF spills do not spread or seep into the groundwater, as you hurt the environment and will violate government regulations.

If there is a spill, you may need to use absorbent pads and excavate contaminated soil and concrete from the area. The Environmental Protection Agency is likely to be involved as well after clean-up for soil testing and reporting.

Any exposure to AFFF is dangerous and requires trained hazardous waste disposal professionals to ensure your business abides by environmental protections and guidelines.

Expanding the search for alternatives

The quest for alternatives to AFFF that don't contain PFAS is gaining momentum. Here are some popular options:

Safespill

Safespill is an ignitable liquid drainage floor that only uses water to extinguish fires.

Hi-Ex Foam

Hi-Ex utilizes a stable, long-lasting uniform bubble structure to suffocate fires from oxygen and eventually extinguish them. It’s PFAS-free and suitable for fresh or seawater.

Trench nozzles

Trench nozzles contain the fire through a series of trenches, then suppress it with nozzles inside. Many trench nozzles use different types of foam fire suppressants, so it’s crucial to choose a system that does not use AFFF as its primary choice.

Fluorine-free fire fighting foam

Fluorine-free fire-fighting foam is made from water, solvents, and hydrocarbon surfactants and creates a bubble over the fire, thus cooling the flames down.

Protect your employees and the environment from the dangers of aqueous film-forming foam

Mitigating the risks of AFFF exposure is essential to protecting your team and the environment around you from long-term damage. 

Instituting company-wide training, establishing clear protection precautions, and utilizing alternatives underscore a commitment to protecting your workers and the environment.