The Issue: PFAS in Firefighting Foams Firefighting foams
Despite constituting less than 2% of the total PFAS produced globally, have been one of the most significant sources of PFAS contamination. Over 60 years of use in training and fire incidents have led to widespread environmental and health concerns. The issue came into the spotlight in 2000 when 3M exited the foam business, following a landmark agreement with the US EPA due to concerns over PFOS— a persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic substance.
Although PFOS was banned in 2009, attention soon shifted to another C8 PFAS, PFOA. By 2016, most major foam manufacturers had reformulated their products using more environmentally friendly “short-chain” chemicals (C6 foams). However, regulatory bodies in the EU, USA, and Australia have continued to tighten restrictions, with the EU imposing a deadline of July 4th, 2025, for the use of PFOA-based foams. By the mid-2030s, it's expected that PFAS foams will be entirely phased out in the EU.
The Solution: PFAS-Free Firefighting Foams
For years, alternatives to PFAS-containing foams have existed, including: Class A Foams: Used for wildland fires. Medium & High Expansion Foams: Applied in warehouses and aircraft hangars. Pure Protein Foams: Previously used for large Class B fires before the advent of AFFF and FFFP.
Fomtec has been at the forefront of developing high-performance fluorine-free foams (SFFF), launching the first “Enviro” products in 2013. Today, Fomtec's Enviro Range includes 17 different products, each developed, tested, and approved to meet international standards. Since 2010, over 3,000 full-scale fire tests have validated the performance and safety margins of these products.
The Challenges in Transitioning to SFFF
Transitioning from PFAS foams to SFFF is not always straightforward. Challenges include: System Contamination: Existing systems may be contaminated with PFAS and require cleaning or replacement. Equipment Compatibility: Older systems may need recalibration or replacement, particularly those calibrated for AFFF. Application Specificity: Each application has unique requirements, and it is crucial to ensure that SFFF is tested and approved for the specific application density and fuel type.
Our Commitment: Supporting Your Transition
Fomtec has a proven track record of working with clients on transition projects over the past five years. We understand the challenges and are equipped to provide viable, sustainable alternatives to PFAS-based foams. We invite you to explore the transition to PFAS-free solutions with Fomtec’s Enviro Range.
Together with our local partners, we are ready to support your firefighting needs in the Middle East and Africa.
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