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يونيو 4, 2025 • 2 minute read

One of the most significant sources of PFAS contamination is firefighting foam. When PFAS-containing foams are used in fire emergencies or training exercises, they seep into the ground, contaminating water supplies, soil, and food chains.

💧 Water Contamination – PFAS chemicals from firefighting foams leach into groundwater and drinking water sources, posing long-term health risks to communities.

🌱 Soil & Wildlife Impact – Once released, PFAS accumulate in soil, affecting plant life and entering the food chain.

🏥 Occupational Exposure – Firefighters and emergency responders are at a higher risk of PFAS exposure due to repeated contact with these foams.

🔎 Global Action Against PFAS

Governments worldwide are stepping up to restrict or phase out PFAS use:

📌 California has banned PFAS in firefighting foams.

📌 The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has proposed an EU-wide restriction on all PFAS-containing firefighting foams, with phased transition periods for different sectors.

📌 Australia (New South Wales) has introduced regulations to limit the environmental impact of PFAS foams.

💡 The Connection to Firefighting: AFFF

One major source of PFAS contamination is Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), a firefighting foam commonly used for Class A and Class B fires. AFFF has been effective in suppressing flammable liquid fires, but its PFAS content poses long-term risks to human health and the environment.

🌱 A Safer Future: The Shift to PFAS-Free Foam

The fire safety industry is now moving towards fluorine-free firefighting foams (F3)—safer alternatives that provide effective suppression without the environmental and health risks of PFAS.

✅ What Can We Do?

✔ Stay informed about PFAS risks and their impact on firefighting solutions.

✔ Support the transition to fluorine-free foams where possible.

✔ Encourage innovation in fire safety that prioritises both protection and sustainability.

🔥 ESL’s Certified PFAS-Free Foam Concentrate 🔥

At Emirates Safety Laboratory (ESL), we are committed to advancing safer, sustainable firefighting solutions. Our certified PFAS-free foam concentrate meets the highest safety and performance standards, helping protect people and the planet.

🔗 For more information, scan the QR codes

💬 What are your thoughts on PFAS-free firefighting foams? Let’s discuss in the comments! 👇

#FireSafety #PFAS #Sustainability #FluorineFreeFoam #ESL

For more information, refer to the following links:

https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas
https://pfascentral.org/news/california-law-bans-toxic-pfas-from-firefighting-foam
https://echa.europa.eu/-/proposal-to-ban-forever-chemicals-in-firefighting-foams-throughout-the-eu
https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/Your-environment/Contaminated-land/Regulation-of-PFAS-firefighting-foams