PFAS, or per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals widely used in various industrial and consumer products for their water- and oil-resistant properties.
One significant application of PFAS is in firefighting foams known as AFFF, or aqueous film-forming foams. These foams have been instrumental in suppressing and extinguishing flammable liquid fires for decades, making them a vital tool in firefighting operations. However, the use of AFFF has come with unintended consequences, particularly concerning the contamination of water sources with PFAS.
In this article, we will explore the impact of PFAS contamination on firefighters, the associated challenges, and the ongoing efforts to mitigate its effects.
The Use of AFFF in Firefighting
The use of AFFF has been a critical component in firefighting for many years. AFFF is specially formulated to suppress and extinguish flammable liquid fires, making it an invaluable tool for firefighters. These foams create a thin film on the fuel surface, effectively smothering the fire and preventing re-ignition.
AFFF’s effectiveness lies in its ability to spread rapidly across the burning fuel, forming a stable barrier that cuts off the oxygen supply and cools the fire. Its water-resistant and foam-stabilizing properties make it ideal for combating fires involving flammable liquids, such as jet fuel or gasoline.
Understanding PFAS Contamination
PFAS, or per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals widely used in various industries and consumer products for decades. Their unique properties, such as water and oil resistance, make them useful in firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, waterproof fabrics, and more.
One of the main reasons PFAS contamination is a concern is resistance to environmental degradation. These chemicals do not easily break down and can persist in soil, water, and the human body for extended periods. This persistence leads to bioaccumulation, where PFAS accumulate in the tissues of living organisms, including humans, as they move up the food chain.
An ABC News analysis revealed that 43% of U.S. ZIP codes reported PFAS-related water contamination in the past two decades. The data collected from federal and state environmental agencies showed a significant increase in new detections, rising from 753 in 2013 to 2,321 in 2021. It means at least 143 million Americans may have been exposed to contaminated tap water.
Millions more might have faced PFAS exposure from water sources at military bases, airports, and manufacturing plants.
Health Risks Associated with PFAS Exposure
Exposure to PFAS has raised concerns about potential health risks, both for firefighters and the general population. These chemicals have been linked to various adverse health effects, although the full extent of their impact is still being studied.
Studies have shown that long-term exposure to PFAS may lead to liver damage, immune system dysfunction, thyroid disorders, and reproductive issues. According to TorHoerman Law, AFFF has also been associated with several types of cancer. These include thyroid cancer, testicle cancer, rectal cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, and bladder cancer.
Firefighters, in particular, are at an increased risk of PFAS exposure due to their frequent use of AFFF during training exercises and firefighting operations. The health risks posed by PFAS exposure have also led to legal action, with an increasing number of lawsuits related to AFFF contamination.
In some cases, firefighters and communities have pursued legal action against manufacturers of AFFF products, alleging negligence and failure to warn about the potential health hazards of PFAS.
The AFFF lawsuit underscores the need to address PFAS contamination urgently, safeguarding both firefighters’ health and affected communities’ well-being. Ongoing efforts seek safer alternatives to PFAS-based firefighting foams and stricter regulations for AFFF use and disposal, aiming to reduce health risks from PFAS exposure.
Environmental Impact of PFAS Contamination
One of the key environmental concerns is the ability of PFAS compounds to bioaccumulate in living organisms. As PFAS enter the environment through various sources, they can accumulate in plants, animals, and aquatic organisms. This bioaccumulation not only affects the health of these organisms but also disrupts ecological processes and food chains.
According to the National Center for Environmental Health Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, PFAS are not naturally-occurring but are pervasive in the environment due to human activities. Their release can happen during production, use, or disposal. PFAS have been detected in plants, animals, sediment, soil, water, and air.
Most PFAS, such as PFOA and PFOS, are highly persistent and resistant to degradation, leading to their long-lasting environmental presence.
Regulations and Guidelines for AFFF Use
Various countries and regions have introduced regulations and guidelines to address the use and disposal of AFFF. These measures often focus on reducing the release of PFAS into the environment and encouraging the adoption of safer alternatives. Some regulations include restrictions on the sale and use of AFFF, especially in non-emergency settings, and require the use of PFAS-free foams whenever possible.
For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a significant new use rule (SNUR) in the United States in 2020, designating certain PFAS as hazardous substances. This ruling enables the EPA to regulate the manufacturing, processing, and distribution of AFFF products containing PFAS more effectively.
Mitigation and Risk Management Strategies
Firefighting agencies, regulatory bodies, and manufacturers are actively working together to develop and implement measures to reduce PFAS exposure and minimize environmental contamination.
One key approach is the exploration of alternative firefighting foams that are PFAS-free or have lower PFAS content. Research and development efforts are focused on formulating effective alternatives to AFFF without compromising fire suppression capabilities.
Proper training and education for firefighters are crucial in raising awareness about PFAS exposure risks and promoting best practices for AFFF use. It includes minimizing the release of AFFF during training exercises and considering the use of containment measures to prevent runoff and subsequent environmental contamination.
Future Directions and Research
Ongoing research aims to identify innovative firefighting foams that provide effective fire suppression capabilities without the environmental persistence and health concerns associated with PFAS compounds.
Furthermore, there is a need for long-term studies to evaluate the health effects of PFAS exposure on firefighters and affected communities. Research can help establish comprehensive risk assessment models, identify potential biomarkers of exposure and effect, and assess the efficacy of remediation techniques for PFAS-contaminated sites.
According to Phys.org, researchers found that certain bacteria have the potential to break down PFAS compounds. During their investigation, they identified two types of anaerobic bacteria that seemed promising for further testing. The study identified specific microbial communities capable of degrading PFAS, offering promising avenues for bioremediation techniques to address PFAS contamination.
To Conclude
The impact of PFAS contamination on firefighters and communities has shed light on the urgent need to address the use and management of AFFF. While AFFF has been an essential tool in firefighting, its inclusion of PFAS compounds has inadvertently led to environmental contamination and potential health risks.
To safeguard the health of firefighters and protect the environment, collaboration between firefighting agencies, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies is paramount. Continued research, comprehensive risk assessment, and the development of effective mitigation strategies are vital for long-term solutions.