A Television Report Sparks Concern

As I sat watching television, a segment aired discussing the potential hazards of firefighting foam. The program highlighted growing concerns regarding the health and environmental risks associated with these foams, particularly those containing certain chemical compounds that have been the subject of extensive research. Given my interest in fire safety and its impact on both firefighters and the broader community, I saw this as an opportunity to dig deeper into the scientific findings and real-world consequences of prolonged exposure to firefighting foam.

The public discourse surrounding firefighting foam has been increasingly negative in Australia over recent years. Reports of contamination, regulatory changes, and lawsuits have raised awareness about the long-term risks these substances pose. This increasing scrutiny has prompted research institutions, regulatory bodies, and environmental agencies to examine the safety and viability of continuing to use certain chemical-laden foams in firefighting operations.

Scientific Research and Key Findings

Studies conducted by multiple scientific institutions have brought attention to specific chemical components in firefighting foams that may pose significant health and environmental risks. One of the most commonly discussed compounds is Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), a synthetic chemical used in some firefighting foams, particularly in Class B foams designed to combat flammable liquid fires.

Key research findings indicate that:

• PFOS does not break down easily in the environment, leading to long-term contamination of soil and water.
• The chemical has been detected in wildlife populations in areas where firefighting foams have been extensively used.
• Exposure to PFOS has been linked to various health conditions, including chronic kidney disease and other adverse effects in both humans and animals.
• Studies suggest that PFOS concentrations found in some ecosystems are high enough to affect well-established health parameters, potentially leading to a range of negative biological effects.

Given these findings, the continued use of firefighting foams containing PFOS is highly problematic. Governments and regulatory agencies worldwide have taken steps to limit or phase out the use of these foams due to the accumulating evidence of their harmful effects.

Health Risks for Firefighters and the Community

Firefighters face direct exposure to firefighting foams, often coming into contact with them during training exercises, emergency responses, and foam cleanup operations. Over time, repeated exposure to PFOS-containing foams could lead to serious health consequences, including:

• Chronic kidney disease and other renal issues
• Increased risk of certain cancers
• Endocrine system disruption
• Bioaccumulation in the body, meaning the chemical remains present for extended periods

Beyond the risks to firefighters, the broader community is also affected, particularly in areas where firefighting foams have contaminated drinking water sources, soil, and local wildlife populations. The persistence of PFOS in the environment means that communities near training grounds, military bases, and industrial areas where these foams were widely used may still be at risk of long-term exposure.

Environmental Impact: Wildlife and Ecosystems at Risk

The environmental impact of PFOS has been a growing concern, especially as research has identified high levels of contamination in certain wildlife species. Animals that come into contact with or ingest PFOS-contaminated water or food sources may experience:

• Disrupted reproductive systems
• Weakened immune responses
• Increased mortality rates

Particularly vulnerable are aquatic ecosystems, where PFOS can accumulate in fish and other marine life. This not only affects local biodiversity but also presents a potential risk to humans who consume contaminated seafood.

Regulatory Changes and the Future of Firefighting Foam

In response to these mounting concerns, regulatory bodies worldwide have moved to address the risks associated with PFOS in firefighting foams. Some of the key actions taken include:

• Bans and restrictions on PFOS-containing foams in several countries
• Development of alternative, fluorine-free foams with lower environmental and health risks
• Enhanced safety measures for firefighters, including proper decontamination procedures after exposure
• Monitoring programs to assess contamination levels in affected areas

Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Many older fire stations, industrial sites, and military facilities still contain stockpiles of PFOS-based foams, and safe disposal of these chemicals is a complex issue. Additionally, while alternative foams are being introduced, their effectiveness and long-term safety are still being evaluated.

Futher thoughts:

The concerns surrounding firefighting foams, particularly those containing PFOS, are well-founded. As research continues to shed light on the potential health risks and environmental damage, the firefighting industry must adapt to safer, more sustainable solutions.

For firefighters, communities, and environmental advocates, the focus must remain on:

• Minimizing exposure to hazardous chemicals
• Developing and implementing safer foam alternatives
• Ensuring that regulatory changes prioritize both health and fire suppression effectiveness

By prioritizing safety, awareness, and innovation, the industry can move toward a future where firefighting foam is both effective and environmentally responsible.

What is fire fighting foam made of?

Used generally for the suppression of fires it’s very versatile and can be seen in use during forest fires and at petrochemical fires. Primarily it is sufficient that lowers the surface tension between two liquids, a gas and a liquid or a liquid and a solid. Organic solvents are used and provide a formula with properties that enhance fire fighting capabilities across Australia and the world.

Some of these organic solvents include, but aren’t limited to, trimethyl-trimethylene glycol and hexylene glycol. To ensure foam is effective and does not expand rapidly thus becoming affected by strong winds or down draughts. Manufactures use stabilisers and corrosion inhibitors such as Lauryl alcohol.

The expansion rate of fire fighting foam.

Firstly, low expansion foams are probably the most common types of fire fighting foam. They can be rapidly deployed and with a relatively low-viscosity have an expansion ratio of less than 20 times. One feature of such foams is that they tend to cover large areas in a quick time frame.

Secondly, medium and high expansion foam have an expansion ratio of 20 to 100 and 200 to 1000 respectively. Thus, there is a foam solution for most applications. Whether fighting house or forest fire.

Classes of fire and foam

Fire fighting foam may have a number of applications but generally, they are used for Class A (normal combustibles like paper and organic materials), And Class B fires associated with the flammable liquid. There are other types of specialist foams which may be used in other classes, but they are very rare.

As I mentioned earlier the design and makeup of fire fighting foams contributes to the lowering of surface tension. For example, Class A foam is used on forest fires because it generally penetrates into the fuel, raising the moisture content. This encouraging increased extinguishing capability as compared to plain water.

As a side note – firefighting boots made of leather will absorb water much quicker if it is treated with Class A fire fighting foam. Sometimes making them very hard to polish even after they have dried out.

History of fire fighting foam

Water has been used to extinguishing fires for millennia. In 1902 a Russian chemist, called Aleksandr Loran, produced a fire fighting foam whose properties are very similar to those used today. At the time cooking oils started many devastating fires. Aleksandr developed the foam fire extinguisher and patent it in 1904.

His initial tests used to powders mixed with water via a foam generator. The powders were sodium bicarbonate and aluminium sulphate. To stop the foam from creating large bubbles a small amount of saponin or liquorice was added, which in turn provided some stabilization.

Development of fire fighting foam slowed for many decades until the 1970’s when Alcohol Resistant – Aqueous film forming foam was produced. A Class B foam generally used for flammable liquids has had many chemicals added over the past fifty years. With some having adverse effects on life and the environment.

Training for emergencies:

Since the 1970’s organisations, both private and government, have been using Class B foam for suppressing fires involving flammable liquids. To prepare for an emergency response there has been a need to use equipment and solutions during training.

As such where additives have been included in the fire fighting foams. There has reportedly been a number of firefighters suffer from associated health effects. An investigation into the long and short term effects are ongoing in many countries across the world.

Forest Firefighting Foams: Application, Challenges, and Environmental Considerations

The Role of Firefighting Foams in Wildfire Suppression

One of the most significant and widespread applications of firefighting foam is in the field of forest and wildland fire suppression. Due to the vast areas that need to be covered during a wildfire and the challenging nature of controlling flames in remote and rugged terrain, firefighting foams have become an indispensable tool in combating these intense blazes.

Class A Foams and Their Benefits

Among the various types of foams used, Class A foams have proven to be particularly valuable in combating wildfires, largely due to their ability to enhance water penetration, increase surface wetting, and slow the evaporation process, allowing water to remain effective for a longer period.

Class A foams are specifically designed for use on ordinary combustible materials such as wood, grass, leaves, and other organic fuels that are abundant in forest environments. These foams reduce the surface tension of water, allowing it to spread more efficiently and be absorbed into the fuel more effectively, thereby increasing moisture content and reducing the likelihood of ignition.

This characteristic makes Class A foams particularly useful in:

• Prevention and suppression of large-scale wildfires
• Dampening dry vegetation to reduce fire spread
• Creating firebreaks to slow or stop advancing flames

The Ongoing Debate on Effectiveness and Environmental Impact

While these foams provide significant tactical advantages in wildfire suppression, there is ongoing research and debate regarding their overall effectiveness and long-term environmental impact. Just as with Class B foams, which are primarily used for flammable liquid fires, the composition of Class A foams continues to be scrutinized by scientists, environmentalists, and regulatory agencies.

Firefighting foams often contain chemical additives that enhance their performance, but these additives can pose potential risks to the environment, particularly when large quantities of foam are applied repeatedly in delicate ecosystems.

The Challenge of Changing Foam Formulations

This ongoing concern is further compounded by the evolving nature of firefighting foam formulations. As more research is conducted and new regulations emerge, manufacturers are frequently required to modify the chemical composition of their products by adding, removing, or substituting certain ingredients to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.

While these adjustments aim to improve foam safety and effectiveness, they also introduce an element of uncertainty, as new formulations may not always perform identically to their predecessors. This dynamic nature of foam chemistry necessitates continuous testing, monitoring, and adaptation to ensure that both firefighters and the environment are protected.

Impact on Waterways, Soil, and Wildlife

One of the most pressing environmental concerns associated with the use of firefighting foams in forest fire suppression is their potential impact on waterways, soil health, and wildlife.

Forest fires often occur in pristine, ecologically sensitive areas that support diverse plant and animal life. When large volumes of foam are deployed, especially during prolonged firefighting operations, there is an inherent risk of chemical runoff and contamination of nearby streams, rivers, and groundwater sources.

Potential negative effects include:

• Disrupting aquatic ecosystems
• Harming fish and other water-dependent wildlife
• Contaminating drinking water sources for both humans and animals

Efforts to Reduce Foam Contamination

Recognizing these risks, many fire services and environmental agencies around the world have adopted strict protocols to minimize the unintended spread of firefighting foams into natural water systems.

In many jurisdictions, firefighters are trained to:

• Apply foam strategically, avoiding excessive use near water bodies
• Use alternative suppression methods in environmentally sensitive regions, such as:
  • Controlled burns
  • Mechanical firebreaks
  • Plain water application when effective

Despite these precautions, the sheer scale of some wildfires, particularly those exacerbated by climate change, can make foam application unavoidable. This reinforces the urgent need for firefighting foam manufacturers to develop more environmentally friendly and biodegradable foams that break down rapidly without leaving harmful residues.

The Future of Firefighting Foams: Striking a Balance

The ultimate goal is to strike a balance between firefighting effectiveness and ecological responsibility, ensuring that firefighters have access to powerful suppression tools without causing unintended harm to the very forests they are trying to protect.

Thoughts:

While firefighting foams remain an essential component of forest fire suppression strategies, their use must be approached with care, foresight, and ongoing research. The continuous evolution of foam formulations, coupled with increased awareness of environmental impacts, underscores the importance of:

• Responsible deployment of foams
• Rigorous testing of new formulations
• Development of sustainable alternatives

By prioritizing safety, both for firefighters and the environment, the firefighting industry can ensure that foam remains a valuable but responsible tool in the battle against wildfires.

Conclusion

I may have only scratched the surface when it comes to the hazards of firefighting foam, but it is clear that while these foams play a vital role in fire suppression, particularly in combating wildland and flammable liquid fires, their chemical composition demands serious scrutiny. The ability of firefighting foams to halt vapor release, improve water penetration, and enhance fire control cannot be overlooked. Without them, firefighters would face greater challenges in suppressing certain types of fires, making their continued use an important tool in fire safety.

However, the negative consequences of PFOS contamination highlight the urgent need for better safety measures, rigorous testing, and responsible formulation of firefighting foams. The health risks to firefighters, potential environmental damage, and contamination of water supplies are issues that should never have been allowed to escalate to this point. The lessons learned from PFOS exposure must ensure that history does not repeat itself, and moving forward, fire services and regulatory bodies must prioritize safer alternatives and stringent oversight.

Firefighting foams must not be used recklessly, and their development should continue with a balance between effectiveness and environmental responsibility. If safer, more sustainable alternatives can be developed without compromising firefighter safety, then transitioning away from harmful chemical-based foams should be a priority. While firefighting foams will likely always have a place in fire suppression, they must be treated with caution, responsibility, and respect for both human health and the environment.

Contribute