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Replacement of Fluorinated Aqueous Fire-Fighting Foams (AFFF)
Citation:
Barrett, William M. Replacement of Fluorinated Aqueous Fire-Fighting Foams (AFFF). American Institute of Chemical Engineers Annual Meeting, Boston, Massachusetts, November 07 - 12, 2021.
Impact/Purpose:
Inform chemical engineering community of issues and activities associated with the replacement of fluorinated firefighting foam.
Description:
Fluorinated aqueous fire-fighting foams were developed to fight flammable liquid (Class B) fires. These foams contain per- and poly-fluoro alkyl substances such as perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). The United States military was directed to replace these foams with non-fluorinated firefighting agents by October 1, 2023 as part of the 2020 National Defense Appropriations Act (NDAA). This presentation will provide an overview of the characteristics and performance of foams used to fight Class B fires under different conditions such as pooled liquids or tank fires, along with obstacles to the development of replacement foams matching the performance of fluorinated AFFF. Lastly, issues related to the environmental performance of the replacement foams will be discussed.