The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently announced plans to regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), marking the first time in 28 years the agency has exercised this authority, according to a bulletin released by the Fire Department Service Announcement.
These regulations target chemicals known as “forever chemicals” for their persistence in the environment.
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) emphasized the necessity to halt non-essential PFAS usage and called for the prompt development of alternatives for cases where PFAS use is deemed unavoidable.
“Stop adding to the PFAS problem by immediately ending all non-essential uses of PFAS and quickly developing alternatives for currently unavoidable uses,” the NRDC stated, addressing the need for immediate and proactive measures to reduce PFAS contamination risks.
This approach focuses on decreasing environmental exposure through careful consideration of essential PFAS applications and swift adaptation of alternative solutions.
F3 foam products, which have undergone extensive fire safety testing, are now available for fire departments seeking to transition away from PFAS-containing foams.
Decision-makers and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) are encouraged to review fire testing results from manufacturers to understand the comparative effectiveness of F3 foams relative to other options currently available.
This data supports informed choices about firefighting resources, enabling departments to adopt safer, environmentally friendly products without compromising response effectiveness.
The Fire Department Service Announcement recommends that Incident Commanders (ICs) consider F3 products as viable alternatives in their firefighting protocols.
Establishing foam usage guidelines in advance allows firefighting teams to remain prepared and environmentally responsible, reducing dependency on PFAS-based products in emergency scenarios.
Fire departments and ICs are advised to consider the environmental responsibilities that come with accepting firefighting foam donations or offers from industry sources.
As noted in the bulletin, accepting these products often implies accepting the associated environmental liabilities, especially if the foam contains PFAS chemicals.
Departments must weigh the potential long-term environmental impact of donated foam and evaluate alternatives that prioritize environmental health.
Vicki Quint from the Foam Exposure Committee further highlighted the need for careful decision-making in firefighting resources, urging departments to assess the environmental impact and regulatory implications tied to foam choices.
The recent EPA regulations align with advocacy efforts to enhance protections against PFAS contamination in public drinking water.
The NRDC, in a press release titled Let Them Drink PFAS, has criticized both the chemical industry and certain water utilities for resisting regulatory actions intended to shield communities from PFAS exposure.
The NRDC continues to advocate for policies that limit PFAS contamination, supporting tighter regulations and broader efforts to protect water resources from chemical pollutants.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has, for the first time in nearly three decades, issued regulations targeting PFAS chemicals, as reported by the Fire Department Service Announcement.
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) emphasized the importance of ending all non-essential PFAS uses to limit further environmental contamination.
Tested F3 foam products are available for firefighting use as PFAS-free alternatives, with data accessible to Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Incident Commanders are encouraged to make foam selection decisions in advance, taking into account potential environmental liabilities when considering industry-donated foam.
Additionally, the NRDC continues to press for stronger protections in drinking water, urging restrictions against PFAS contaminants in public water supplies.
