„The Commission will ban all PFAS as a group in firefighting foams [..], allowing their use only where they are essential for society.“
European Commission 2020: Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability Towards a Toxic-Free Environment
The Problem
All AFFF will be banned!
All PFAS-based foams, like AFFF, FP or FFFP, have come under the scrutiny of legislators – in the European Union and worldwide. While there will be transition periods, likely, they will all eventually be banned.
AFFF have always been considered the best performing foams for many applications. The capability to form an aqueous film and the “fuel water repellency“ make them superior in fighting fires, especially in industrial facilities.
So, what should you do if they are to be banned? The transition to fluorine-free foam doesn’t come as a drop-in replacement: Extinguishing performance, expansion ratio, application rates, viscosity, and tank cleaning are just some of the issues that need attention.