The history of PFAS
in firefighting foam
More information about the origin of PFAS-containing firefighting foam
History
PFAS-based firefighting foam, better known as AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam), has been used for decades to fight fires involving flammable liquids such as oil, gasoline, and jet fuel. AFFF’s unique properties—forming a protective film, suppressing fuel vapors, and preventing re-ignition—have made it an essential technology for challenging fire scenarios. Until recently, AFFF was widely used in military facilities, civilian airports, oil terminals, chemical facilities, and fire departments.
Origin and application
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Development: in the 1960s, scientists from the U.S. Navy and 3M collaborated to develop PFAS-containing foam, patented in 1966.
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Effectiveness: AFFF provided a solution to difficult-to-control fires, as demonstrated by the disaster on the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal in 1967. This tragedy led to mandatory deployment of AFFF on U.S. Navy ships by the late 1960s.
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Spread: by the 1970s, AFFF was also being used at civilian airports and military facilities. AFFF eventually found its way to other petroleum-related and industrial facilities where highly flammable liquids were present. Local fire departments also include AFFF in their firefighting toolkit, especially if their jurisdiction includes petroleum tankers, fuel storage depots, or aviation facilities.
Risks and changes
Environmental and health concerns: PFAS are highly persistent in nature and exposure to PFAS has been associated with, but not proven to cause, health risks such as elevated cholesterol, thyroid disease, digestive disorders and cancer.
Formulation: AFFF formulations have changed over the years, including older and second generation foams that used PFOS and PFOA, and more recently alcohol-resistant foams (AR-AFFF) that do not use PFAS.
Alternatives: more and more organizations are switching to PFAS-free foams such as AR-AFFF, driven by stricter regulations and the need to destroy existing stockpiles.
A sustainable future
With the growing awareness of the harmful effects of PFAS, the focus is shifting to safe, sustainable alternatives. Alternatives such as fluorine-free foam (i.e. AR-AFFF) or other so-called "green foams" are replacing PFAS-containing AFFF.