Chemicals In Foam Fire Extinguishers ? CheckFire Ltd
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Chemicals in foam fire extinguishers

Foam fire extinguishers can be invaluable during Class B flammable liquid fires, removing oxygen from fire by smothering it. However, the European Chemicals Agency is examining chemicals used in foam fire extinguishers for their risks to the environment and human health.

It is important to note that foam fire extinguishers are not being banned. Here, we outline the possible future implications set out by the EU in regards to limiting the use of fluorine-containing AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam).

What’s in fire-fighting foam?

AFFF fire extinguishers contain a number of diverse fluorine-containing substances collectively known as PFAS (Per- and PolyFluoroAlkylated Substances). Some PFAS have been labelled as persistent organic pollutants (POPS) and have already been restricted by the EU POPs Regulation. These are:

– PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid)
– PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid)

Both PFOA and PFOS fire-fighting foam have been proven to form harmful residual pollutants on production, including a slow build-up of toxicity that affects the environment.

PFOS and PFOA also poses risks to humans and other living organisms due to their “persistent” degradation process. For example, PFOS and PFOA can dissolve in water, meaning they can be transferred into streams, rivers and drinking water supplies. Once absorbed, PFOS and PFOA chemical exchanges can increase in concentration in the body – affecting the hormonal, immune, and reproductive systems.

Due to the above, restrictions of PFOS fire-fighting foam were put into place by the EU POPs Regulation in 2011. Following the phase-out of PFOS, tighter regulations on the use of PFOA chemical foam were also brought about in July 2020, according to the Commission Delegated Regulation of the European Parliament. For the latter, PFOA can still be used to extinguish liquid fires, but fire-fighting practice with PFOA-containing foam is prohibited.

Do PFOS- and PFOA-free foam fire extinguishers exist?

CheckFire would like to be clear that the foam solution used in our Commander, CommanderEDGE and Contempo range of fire extinguishers does not contain PFOS or PFOA. It does, like all foam fire extinguishers in the UK, contain PFHxA.

What is PFHxA?

Known as perfluorohexanoic acid, PFHxA is a PFAS which aids in the quick extinguishing of Class B and Class A fires. There is no firm evidence that this chemical is harmful to human health. The European Chemicals Agency is currently considering restrictions to the use of PFHxA and recommendations to the agency are likely to be submitted during 2022 (with a possible transition period in 2024), but there are no current restrictions on its use.

What are the next steps to take?

As the EU works to ensure the safety of AFFF fire extinguishers, now is a good time to determine the composition of stock. Mainly, does it contain PFOS or PFOA? If so, follow the current restrictions on AFFFs containing these chemicals, listed above.

There are no current restrictions to the use of PFHxA in fire-fighting foam, and it is unlikely that any law will be applied retrospectively. In the meantime, CheckFire would advise the use, where possible, of water fire extinguishers, water additive fire extinguishers, and water mist extinguishers in locations where there are no Class B risks.

CheckFire can keep you up to date with fire safety legislation. Visit our resource centre and sign up to our newsletter for updates on fluorine-free foam alternatives in the future, as well as any other news and updates affecting the fire trade.

 

The content of the CheckFire blog is for general information purposes only. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, under no circumstances should it be considered professional advice. Any reliance you place on the information is at your own risk. Always seek the advice of a fire professional for your particular circumstances and requirements.

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