Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-08-20 Origin: Site
AFFF foam is a special tool for fighting fires with liquids that can burn. This foam makes a thin layer on top of the fire. The layer stops oxygen from reaching the flames. It also keeps vapor from getting out. The foam and film work together to put out the fire. They cool the fire and stop it from starting again. Firefighters use AFFF in lots of places. You can find it at airports and military bases. But people worry about how AFFF affects nature and health. Research shows AFFF lets out PFAS chemicals. These chemicals move fast in water. They can get into drinking water. PFAS stay in the environment for a long time.
People worry about PFAS exposure. It can mess up hormones. It can hurt DNA repair. It can raise cancer risk for people who use it a lot.
AFFF foam puts out fires fast. It makes a film that stops oxygen and traps vapors. The foam has PFAS chemicals. These chemicals stay in the environment for a long time. They can hurt people and animals. Firefighters use AFFF foam at airports, military bases, and factories. They use it to fight big fires. Many places want to use less AFFF foam. They are trying to switch to safer foams without fluorine. To stay safe, use AFFF only for emergencies. Clean tools after using it. Tell someone right away if there is a spill.
Aqueous film forming foam, or AFFF foam, is used to fight fires with flammable liquids. These are called Class B fires. They happen when things like gasoline or oil catch fire. Water does not work well on these fires. The fuel floats on water and keeps burning. AFFF foam fixes this by making a thin film on the burning liquid.
AFFF foam has many ingredients. The main ones are fluorinated surfactants, called PFAS. These chemicals help the foam spread fast. They make a thin, water-like layer over the fuel. This layer stops oxygen from getting to the fire. It also keeps flammable vapors from escaping. The foam also has hydrocarbon surfactants, solvents, salts, and stabilizers. Some types, like AR-AFFF, have extra polymers. These help fight fires started by alcohol or other polar solvents.
AFFF foam is different from other foams because it makes an aqueous film. This film acts like a shield. It makes it harder for the fire to start again. Fluorine-free foams do not have PFAS. They use natural or synthetic surfactants. These are better for the environment. But they might not work as well in some fires.
Here is a table that compares AFFF foam with other firefighting foams:
Aspect | AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) | Other Firefighting Foams (Fluorine-Free Foam) |
|---|---|---|
Chemical Composition | Contains fluorinated surfactants (PFAS) with carbon-fluorine bonds | Lacks PFAS; uses synthetic or natural surfactants without fluorine |
Fire Suppression Mechanism | Forms an aqueous film that smothers flames and prevents reignition | Does not form aqueous film; less effective barrier against reignition |
Viscosity | Low viscosity (water-like) | Higher viscosity |
Burnback Resistance | High; foam blanket resists direct flame longer | Lower; foam blanket breaks down faster |
Environmental Persistence | Persistent, resists degradation (due to PFAS) | Generally biodegradable |
Health & Environmental Impact | Contains 'forever chemicals' linked to bioaccumulation and health risks | Considered more environmentally friendly |
AFFF foam works fast. It spreads over the burning liquid and cools it down. This keeps the fire from coming back. Firefighters pick AFFF foam when they need to stop flammable liquid fires quickly.
AFFF foam is used in many places where flammable liquid fires can happen. Airports use AFFF foam to protect runways, hangars, and planes. Military bases use it for vehicles, planes, and ships. Industrial plants, like oil refineries, have fixed AFFF systems for big fuel fires. Waste treatment plants use AFFF foam too. They have special systems to control foam runoff and protect nature.
Fire departments keep portable AFFF foam units ready for emergencies. They use them at gas stations, fuel storage places, and on highways after crashes. Fire training centers use AFFF foam to teach firefighters how to handle flammable liquid fires safely.
The table below shows where AFFF foam is often used:
Facility Type / Context | Description / Use Case |
|---|---|
Flammable Liquid Warehouses | Fixed fire suppression systems using AFFF foam to control flammable liquid fires. |
Waste Treatment Facilities | Fixed AFFF systems designed with containment and runoff control for foam discharge. |
Aircraft Hangars | Fixed foam systems installed for fire suppression in aircraft storage and maintenance areas. |
Airports | AFFF is prevalent in airport settings, including ARFF vehicles equipped with AFFF foam systems. |
Military Operations | Used on military vehicles, aircraft, and naval vessels with specialized military-grade AFFF formulations. |
Industrial Plants (e.g., Oil Refineries) | Portable foam generators and fixed systems used for flammable liquid fires; containment planning critical. |
Municipal Fire Departments | Emergency responders use portable AFFF foam for flammable liquid fires. |
Fire Training Facilities | Specially designed areas for flammable liquid fire exercises using AFFF, with containment measures. |
AFFF foam has many benefits over just using water:
It covers the burning liquid fast and smothers the flames.
Firefighters use less water, so there is less water damage.
The foam helps firefighters see better and stay safe.
AFFF foam cools the fuel and protects equipment nearby.
AFFF foam is important for fighting dangerous fires where flammable liquids are stored or used. Its film blocks oxygen and keeps the fire from coming back. That is why many fire safety experts choose it.
AFFF foam uses a special film to stop fires fast. The film spreads quickly over the surface of burning liquids. This film covers the fuel and creates a barrier. The barrier keeps the fire from getting more oxygen. The film also blocks flammable vapors from escaping. This action helps with extinguishing the fire.
The film moves across the fuel surface and forms a thin, water-like layer.
It spreads faster than other types of foam.
The film separates the flame from the fuel.
It cools the fuel and helps stop the fire from coming back.
The film blocks air and traps vapors, which speeds up extinguishing.
AFFF foam stands out because of this film-forming ability. Other foams do not make a film that spreads so quickly. The liquid draining from the foam has low surface tension. This property lets the film form and cover the fuel. The film can even put out the fire before the foam blanket covers everything. This feature makes AFFF foam very effective for extinguishing flammable liquid fires.
The film and foam blanket work together to block oxygen. Fires need oxygen to keep burning. When AFFF foam covers the fuel, it creates a physical barrier. This barrier cuts off the oxygen supply. The fire cannot get the air it needs, so it goes out.
Scientific studies show that AFFF foam stops combustion by blocking oxygen. The foam acts as a shield between the fuel and the air. This shield suffocates the fire. The foam also cools the fuel and keeps dangerous vapors from escaping. Real-life fires, like those at industrial sites and chemical plants, show how important this oxygen-blocking action is. In these cases, AFFF foam stopped the fire from spreading by keeping oxygen away from the fuel.
Infrared cameras in studies have shown that the foam layer blocks heat and oxygen. This action is key to extinguishing the fire. The foam and film together make sure the fire cannot start again.
Tip: The foam blanket not only blocks oxygen but also keeps flammable vapors trapped. This double action makes AFFF foam a top choice for extinguishing liquid fuel fires.
AFFF foam also cools the fire. The foam contains water, which absorbs heat from the burning fuel. As the foam spreads, it lowers the temperature of the fuel surface. This cooling helps stop the fire and keeps it from starting again.
Studies comparing AFFF foam to other firefighting agents, like protein foam, show some differences. Protein foam cools the area around the fire faster. However, AFFF foam forms a denser and more stable layer. This stable layer helps with extinguishing by keeping the fire out for longer. The cooling effect of AFFF foam, combined with its film and oxygen barrier, makes it very effective for extinguishing flammable liquid fires.
The foam blanket also prevents hot vapors from escaping. This action helps keep the fire under control. The cooling, film formation, and oxygen barrier all work together. These features make AFFF foam a powerful tool for extinguishing dangerous fires.
PFAS are the main chemicals in this firefighting foam. These chemicals help the foam spread fast and make a strong film. PFAS have a special structure with carbon and fluorine atoms. This structure makes them very tough and hard to destroy. Because of this, PFAS stay in nature for a long time.
Scientists call PFAS "forever chemicals" because they do not break down. They can move through water and get into drinking water. People and animals can take in PFAS from water, food, or air. Studies show PFAS can build up in the body over time. These chemicals can cause health problems like hormone changes or more cancer risk.
Note: PFAS in firefighting foam worry people because they last a long time and can hurt people and the environment.
AFFF has other harmful chemicals besides PFAS. It has hydrocarbon surfactants that help the foam mix with water and spread. Solvents like glycol ethers keep the foam liquid and easy to use. Some types add stabilizers to help the foam last longer.
AFFF also has salts that control how thick the foam is and how it works. Alcohol-resistant AFFF has extra polymers. These polymers help the foam work on fires started by alcohol or other chemicals that mix with water. Each ingredient in AFFF helps the foam stop fires.
A table below shows some common ingredients in firefighting foams:
Ingredient Type | Purpose in Foam |
|---|---|
PFAS | Forms film, spreads foam, resists heat |
Hydrocarbon Surfactants | Helps foam mix with water |
Solvents | Keeps foam liquid and stable |
Stabilizers | Extends shelf life |
Salts | Controls foam thickness |
Polymers | Adds alcohol resistance |
These ingredients help AFFF work well, but they also mean firefighters and nature can be harmed by these chemicals.
AFFF exposure can harm the environment. Firefighters use this foam often in some places. PFAS chemicals in AFFF do not break down fast. They stay in soil and water for thousands of years. These chemicals move through the ground easily. They can reach local water supplies. Many military bases and airports have found PFAS in their water. This contamination can make drinking water unsafe. It puts public health at risk.
PFAS from AFFF build up in living things over time.
Wildlife like fish and birds can get sick. They may have trouble growing or having babies.
Predators that eat these animals can also get sick.
PFAS can spread far in groundwater near fire training areas.
Soil near these places often has high PFAS levels.
Parameter | Details / Values |
|---|---|
Median plume length | 220 to 800 meters |
Soil max PFOS concentration | 915 μg/kg |
Soil max PFOA concentration | 31 μg/kg |
Soil max PFHxS concentration | 105 μg/kg |
Main contamination sites | Military bases, airports, fire training areas |
AFFF exposure causes long-lasting pollution. Cleaning up PFAS from water and soil is hard. Special methods are needed to remove these chemicals.
AFFF exposure can hurt people in many ways. Firefighters who use AFFF have more PFAS in their blood. This can raise their risk of cancer. Testicular and kidney cancer are linked to PFAS. Studies show possible links to breast, ovarian, and thyroid cancer too. Adults and children can get sick from PFAS. They may have immune system changes, asthma, or cholesterol problems.
PFAS exposure can cause fertility issues and pregnancy problems.
People may get liver damage or thyroid disease.
Long-term exposure raises the risk of cancer and other health problems.
Health Outcome | Key Findings |
|---|---|
Kidney Cancer | Higher risk with more PFOA in blood. This is seen in workers and community members. |
Testicular Cancer | Studies show a link to PFAS exposure, especially in firefighters. |
Breast, Ovarian, Thyroid Cancer | Some studies suggest links to PFOS and PFOA exposure. Research is still going on. |
AFFF exposure is a big concern for people and nature. Communities near places with lots of AFFF use should check their water and health often.
Many countries are starting to limit AFFF foam. This is because people worry about PFAS. In the United States, there are rules for using, throwing away, and getting rid of AFFF foam. Both federal and state governments have made these rules. The table below lists some important rules:
Jurisdiction | Regulation Type | Key Provisions | Effective Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Federal (NDAA) | Use and Purchase Restrictions | DOD must stop buying PFAS AFFF by Oct 1, 2023; stop using it by Oct 1, 2025; no training releases | Purchase ban: 10/1/2023; Use ban: 10/1/2025 | Only for military bases on federal land; does not cover civilians |
Illinois | Use and Discharge | No AFFF for training or testing; bans making, selling, or giving out Class B foam with PFAS (from 1/1/2025) | 1/1/2025 | Must tell about spills within 48 hours |
Indiana | Use | No AFFF for training or testing unless there are safe ways to catch and throw away the foam | Enacted | Firefighters get checked for PFAS in their bodies |
New York | Use and Discharge | No AFFF for training; bans making, selling, or giving out AFFF with some exceptions | Enacted | Must report spills in 2 hours; PFOS and PFOA are hazardous |
Washington | Disposal | Many ways to throw away AFFF are being looked at, like burning, burying, or deep-well injection; final choice not made yet | Enacted (EIS released 10/15/2024) | Throwing away AFFF may take 9 months to 5 years |
States like Wisconsin and West Virginia also have special rules for AFFF foam. They want people to tell right away if there is a spill. Many states do not let people use AFFF foam for training unless they can catch and throw away the old foam safely. Around the world, the Arctic Council is working to stop using PFAS foams. They are collecting data, running tests, and making new rules for getting rid of AFFF. The main goal is to keep people and nature safe.
Firefighters and companies are looking for new foams to use. Most new foams do not have PFAS. These foams make a blanket to stop dangerous vapors. But they might not work as fast as AFFF foam. The Department of Defense now wants foams without PFAS that can put out class B fires. Scientists at places like Johns Hopkins are trying to make these new foams better.
Changing to new foams is hard. It costs a lot of money to switch to safer foams. Fire departments may spend more than $2.1 billion on new foams, new gear, and training. Some old equipment does not work with the new foams. Firefighters need to learn how to use the new foams. Agencies also have trouble getting enough money and working together to get rid of old foam.
Note: Changing to safer foams takes time and good planning. Scientists are still working to make new foams as good as AFFF foam but safer for people and the earth.
AFFF foam helps stop dangerous fires, but it can also cause health problems like cancer. Fire departments can take steps to reduce risks:
Replace old foams with safer, fluorine-free options.
Clean all equipment that touched AFFF foam.
Use AFFF foam only for real emergencies.
Report any spills quickly to authorities.
Many countries now limit AFFF foam use. Staying informed about new rules and safer firefighting tools protects people from cancer and keeps everyone safer.
AFFF foam has PFAS chemicals, hydrocarbon surfactants, solvents, salts, and stabilizers. These help the foam spread fast and make a film. The film blocks oxygen and vapors from the fire.
Firefighters use AFFF foam at airports and military bases. They also use it at oil refineries and fuel storage sites. It is used on highways during emergencies. Fire training centers use it too.
AFFF foam can put PFAS into water. These chemicals do not break down fast. They can move through soil and get into drinking water. This can hurt people and animals.
Communities can use safer foams without fluorine. They should clean gear after using AFFF foam. Spills should be reported right away. Testing water often helps keep people safe.
Some people have sued because of health and nature problems from AFFF foam. Many lawsuits are about PFAS in water supplies.