When it comes to fire suppression, choosing the right foam can have a crucial impact on the effectiveness of firefighting and the ecological footprint left by extinguishing the fire. In this blog, we will explore the differences between two commonly used types of firefighting foam: Fluor-Free Foam and Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF). These two options significantly differ in composition, performance, environmental impact, and regulatory compliance.
Fluor-Free Foam: A Safer Alternative
Fluor-Free Foam is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to AFFF due to its reduced ecological impact and potential negative health effects. Let’s delve into the details of this type of foam:
Composition: Fluor-Free Foam is primarily composed of water, solvents, and hydrocarbon surfactants. It’s important to note that it does not contain perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Film formation and performance: Unlike AFFF, Fluor-Free Foam does not form a water film. Instead, it relies on a blanket of bubbles for fire suppression, i.e., foam with high density and thickness that prevents the flow of burning vapors. Additionally, foam stability (referred to as 25% drainage time in its characteristics) is a crucial factor in its effectiveness. Although somewhat less effective than AFFF film, higher expansion rates and air-aspirating nozzles can enhance its efficiency.
Environmental and health effects: Fluor-Free Foams consist of low-impact substances, and many are entirely biodegradable. This makes them a safer choice for the environment and human health.
Regulatory compliance: Due to their minimal ecological impact, Fluor-Free Foams are unlikely to be subject to stringent regulations or bans. Instead, guidelines may focus on proper training, testing, discharge, and disposal of the foam.
AFFF: Traditional Effectiveness
Many Reasons for Concern AFFF has long been the first choice for fire suppression due to its exceptional effectiveness, but it comes with serious ecological and health impacts.
Composition: AFFF contains water, solvents, hydrocarbon surfactants, and PFAS, known for their persistence in the environment—meaning it takes a long time for particles to degrade, making decontamination a prolonged process.
Film formation and performance: The inclusion of PFAS in AFFF allows it to more efficiently form a water film on fires. This film can be highly effective even at lower expansion values, providing a greater reach.
Environmental and health effects: Environmental and health issues associated with PFAS in AFFF are significant. PFAS does not easily degrade and can accumulate in the environment, posing risks to groundwater and human health.
Regulatory compliance: Due to these concerns, the European Union and many Western countries (some U.S. states) have imposed restrictions on the use of AFFF in certain applications, with some even banning it entirely.
Choosing the Right Foam
The decision between Fluor-Free Foam and AFFF ultimately boils down to a balance between effectiveness and environmental and health considerations. Here’s what to consider:
Fluor-Free Foam: While it requires more volume and specialized equipment to be effective, it does not pose a significant risk to the environment and human health. With growing awareness of the ecological impact of AFFF, Fluor-Free Foam is an attractive alternative and may become the only viable option in the near future.
AFFF: AFFF remains highly effective for fire suppression but carries significant ecological and health risks. It can still be used safely and disposed of carefully, but with increasing regulations, its use may become restricted.
Conclusion
Considering research highlighting the harmful effects of AFFF and PFAS, it is recommended to consider alternatives like Fluor-Free Foam. Not only does it provide a safe and effective choice, but more alternative options are likely to emerge in the future.
In conclusion, the choice between Fluor-Free Foam and AFFF is a crucial decision that impacts both fire safety and environmental responsibility. An informed decision can lead to a safer and more sustainable future for your institution and the environment.