The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has outlined the transition from the fluorinated aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) currently used to extinguish flammable liquid (Class B) fires, to fluorine-free foams (FFFs).

AFFFs use of a class of chemicals containing per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances commonly referred to as PFAS.

PFAS have well-documented environmental and health risks. Because of these risks, state and federal legislators are phasing out fluorinated firefighting foams in military, aviation, industrial, and municipal firefighting arenas.

Although FFFs are replacing AFFFs, recent research on alternative fluorine-free foams by the NFPA, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Department of Defense has shown that FFFs are not as effective as AFFFs at fighting liquid fuel fires.

To use the FFFs currently on the market safely and effectively, fire departments will need to adopt different tactics and new training on how to select, use and dispose of these new foams.

Fire departments will also have to be prepared to adapt to changes in legislation and in the foam industry as fluorine-free foam products continue to improve.

The NFPA’s roadmap offers considerations for transitioning firefighting to fluorine-free foam, supported by the latest research and a technical panel with representation from the following:

The report includes both overview and in-depth coverage of:

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