The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently introduced new regulations to manage per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals.”
This regulatory action comes 28 years after the EPA first gained authority to oversee these substances.
As reported by Vicki Quint, Co-Chair of the Foam Exposure Committee, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has identified a key solution to the PFAS crisis.
The NRDC suggests: “Stop adding to the PFAS problem by immediately ending all non-essential uses of PFAS and quickly developing alternatives for currently unavoidable uses.”
The issue has drawn widespread attention, with environmental groups calling for immediate action to halt the proliferation of these chemicals.
In light of the new regulations, fire departments across the US are advised to consider using fluorine-free foam (F3) products as alternatives to those containing PFAS.
According to the Foam Exposure Committee, F3 products are already available and have been rigorously fire-tested.
The committee recommends that departments obtain fire testing results directly from manufacturers and compare them with other F3 options.
These results should be readily accessible to decision-makers, such as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), to ensure the most informed decisions are made regarding the foam products used.
Quint stressed the importance of fire departments making decisions about firefighting foam products prior to emergencies.
Incident Commanders (IC) are encouraged to ensure their department’s foam selection aligns with environmental safety regulations and meets the necessary performance standards before deployment in fire situations.
The Foam Exposure Committee has also warned departments against discharging PFAS-containing foams into storm drains or water bodies.
Forensic investigations into the environmental impact of firefighting foams are ongoing, highlighting the need for precautionary measures.
This summer, researchers detected high levels of toxic PFAS in surface water foam on Muskegon Lake, located in Western Michigan.
Scientists are uncertain about the source of the contamination but suspect recent environmental changes may have contributed to the foam’s appearance.
Fire departments in the region are being advised to avoid using firefighting foams with PFAS, as they could exacerbate contamination in local water sources.
The ongoing investigation highlights the need for fire departments nationwide to remain vigilant when handling these chemicals and to ensure they dispose of them safely.
The US EPA has implemented new regulations on PFAS chemicals after nearly three decades of deliberation.
Vicki Quint, Co-Chair of the Foam Exposure Committee, reported that the NRDC has urged immediate action to stop the spread of PFAS and find alternatives for essential uses.
Fire departments are encouraged to switch to fluorine-free foams (F3), which have been fire-tested and can be compared against other products.
They are also advised to refrain from discharging PFAS foams into water bodies.
The source of recent high PFAS levels detected in Muskegon Lake is still unknown, raising further concerns about the environmental impact of these substances.