Firefighting foam is a crucial tool in the battle against fires. They are super effective in smothering flames and preventing their spread. The demand for such foam is at an all-time high, given how frequently the US has to deal with fire incidents.
According to the US NFPA, in 2022, local fire departments in the country responded to around 1.5 million fires. These fires led to the death of almost 4,000 civilians and over 13,000 injuries.
Data from Statista suggests that the number of fire incidents in the US has seen a gradual decline over the past three decades. That being said, America sees over a million fires every year, so the demand for firefighting foam is always there.
However, the conventional foam used in firefighting often contains harmful chemicals that pose a range of environmental and health risks. While these foams are efficient in extinguishing fires, the long-term consequences of their use raise serious concerns.
In this article, we will delve into a few prominent problems associated with the deployment of harmful chemicals in firefighting foam.
Table of Contents
Environmental Contamination
When these foams are used to combat fires, the chemicals can seep into the soil and water, leading to long-lasting ecological damage. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a common class of chemicals found in firefighting foam, are known for their persistence in the environment. These substances can accumulate in the soil, contaminating water sources and affecting wildlife.
The widespread use of PFAS-containing foams has been linked to adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems, posing a threat to both terrestrial and marine life. Besides, PFAS chemicals used in the aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) firefighting foam have been found to cause severe health problems as well. These health problems caused by this toxic firefighting foam eventually led to the AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits, something we’ll discuss in a later section.
Water Supply Contamination
Firefighting foam runoff can also contaminate water supplies, creating a significant challenge for communities relying on these sources for drinking water. PFAS, once released into water bodies, can persist for extended periods, leading to bioaccumulation in fish and other aquatic organisms.
According to the US Geological Survey, around 45 percent of America’s tap water is contaminated with PFAS chemicals. Exposure to PFAS through contaminated drinking water has been associated with various health concerns, including developmental issues and an increased risk of cancer. As a result, using firefighting foams containing harmful chemicals poses a direct threat to public health by compromising the safety of water sources.
Health Risks for Firefighters
Firefighters exposed to harmful chemicals in firefighting foam may face increased health risks, including respiratory issues, skin problems, and long-term health complications. The inhalation of toxic fumes and skin contact during firefighting operations can lead to the absorption of hazardous substances into the body. As a consequence, the health and well-being of firefighters are compromised, emphasizing the urgent need for safer alternatives to firefighting foam.
According to TruLaw, the AFFF foam we talked about earlier, which contains PFAS chemicals, has led many firefighters to develop cancer. AFFF foam exposure can cause these chemicals to remain in the human body for an indefinite period.
Thus, the AFFF cancer lawsuits were filed to seek compensation and justice for the AFFF victims. As per the latest AFFF lawsuit update, the MDL judge has granted a joint motion. This allows an extension for the parties involved to discuss an ongoing discovery dispute as well as a motion to compel. The AFFF lawsuit will continue on its course a bit longer, showing just how devastating the situation with this firefighting foam was.
Limited Biodegradability
The persistence of harmful chemicals in firefighting foam exacerbates the problem of limited biodegradability. Traditional foams can remain in the environment for extended periods, contributing to soil and water pollution. The slow breakdown of these foams prolongs the exposure of ecosystems to toxic substances, hindering the recovery and regeneration of affected areas.
Finding environmentally friendly alternatives with enhanced biodegradability is crucial to mitigating the long-lasting impact of firefighting foam on the environment. The longer we wait to do so and use harmful foam, the worse the condition of the environment gets.
Legal and Regulatory Challenges
The use of harmful chemicals in firefighting foam has led to legal and regulatory challenges worldwide. Awareness of the environmental and health risks associated with these foams continues to grow. Hence, governments and regulatory bodies are under increasing pressure to enforce stricter guidelines and regulations.
The classification of PFAS as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) has prompted international efforts to restrict their use in various applications, including firefighting foam. Adherence to evolving regulations presents a challenge for fire departments and industries reliant on these foams. It requires them to adapt to changing standards and invest in alternative solutions.
Limited Public Awareness
A critical issue surrounding the use of harmful chemicals in firefighting foam is the limited awareness among the general public. While the environmental and health risks associated with these foams are becoming more evident, many individuals remain unaware of the potential dangers.
Educating communities about the consequences of using harmful chemicals in firefighting foam is essential for fostering public support for alternative, safer firefighting technologies. Increased awareness can drive advocacy for the development and adoption of environmentally friendly firefighting solutions. This, in turn, can push for change at both the local and global levels of firefighting.
In summary, there can be no doubt that firefighting foam plays a crucial role in controlling and extinguishing fires. However, we should remember the use of harmful chemicals in these foams raises serious concerns that extend beyond the immediate firefighting scenario.
As discussed above, such firefighting foam can cause a variety of problems ranging from environmental contamination to health risks for firefighters. Therefore, the need for a paradigm shift in firefighting practices is evident.
As technology advances, there is a growing imperative to invest in alternative, sustainable firefighting solutions that prioritize environmental and human well-being. Only through concerted efforts to address these problems can we hope to build a safer and more sustainable future for firefighting practices worldwide.
