A Burning Issue

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” have left an indelible mark on the fire fighting industry. These synthetic compounds, characterized by their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, have earned their moniker due to their remarkable persistence in the environment and living organisms. As defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PFAS are “widely used, long lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time.”

The fire fighting industry embraced PFAS, particularly in the form of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), due to its exceptional effectiveness in combating liquid fuel fires. AFFF works by creating a thin film on the fuel surface, starving the fire of oxygen and suppressing flammable vapours. This revolutionary firefighting tool found widespread application in high-risk environments such as airports, military bases, and industrial facilities where fuel-based fires pose significant threats.

However, the very properties that make PFAS effective fire suppressants also render them problematic for human health and the environment. Scientific studies have increasingly linked PFAS exposure to a range of adverse health effects. According to Professor Elsie Sunderland of Harvard University, severe exposure to PFAS can lead to cancers, decreased antibody production, diabetes, and difficulties with weight loss. Alarmingly, some PFAS can cross the blood-brain and placental barriers, potentially affecting fetal development and neurological functions.

The persistence of these chemicals means they accumulate in the human body over time. Professor Sunderland explains that PFAS molecules can mimic fatty acids within the body, potentially disrupting natural bodily functions. There are also concerns about PFAS interfering with fat metabolism, which may impact breastfeeding mothers’ ability to produce sufficient milk for their babies.

Environmental contamination from PFAS containing firefighting foams has become a significant issue. When used in fire suppression or training exercises, these foams often seep into the ground or wash into water bodies, leading to long-term contamination of soil and groundwater. This has resulted in widespread PFAS pollution, particularly around military installations and airports where AFFF has been heavily used.

As awareness of these issues has grown, there has been increasing momentum to address the PFAS problem. Regulatory bodies worldwide are taking action to safeguard environmental and human health. The European Commission, for instance, has published measures to ban certain PFAS substances and include them under its Industrial Emissions Directive. In the United States, several states have initiated legal action against PFAS manufacturers, seeking to recoup costs associated with environmental clean-up and public health impacts.

The fire fighting industry now faces the challenge of developing safe and environmentally friendly alternatives to PFAS-based foams. Research is ongoing to create effective, PFAS-free firefighting agents that can match the performance of AFFF without the associated health and environmental risks. This effort represents a crucial step towards balancing immediate fire safety needs with long-term environmental and health considerations.

In this evolving landscape, some companies have taken proactive steps to address the PFAS issue. Alien Systems & Technologies (Pty) Ltd, for example, proudly maintains a record of never adopting the sale of ozone-depleting substances, global warming contributors, or toxic substances like PFAS in their fire extinguishing systems. Instead, they have championed the use of inert gas blends as a safer alternative.

Alien Systems & Technologies’ Pyroshield IG55 system utilizes a blend of naturally occurring gases, such as argon and nitrogen. When discharged into a room, this inert gas mixture dilutes the oxygen concentration to a level where normal combustion cannot occur. Importantly, this solution is non-toxic, non-corrosive, has no atmospheric lifetime, and is unaffected by environmental and health legislation.

As the fire fighting industry moves forward, the focus is increasingly on sustainable and safe fire suppression methods. The transition away from PFAS-based foams represents not just a technological challenge, but a fundamental shift in approach – one that prioritizes long-term environmental and health considerations alongside immediate fire safety needs. This evolution in fire fighting technology and practices underscores the industry’s commitment to protecting both lives and the planet, ensuring that the solutions of today don’t become the problems of tomorrow.