How AFFF Chemicals Impact Our Environment and What It Means for Future Generations

Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) are essential for combating flammable liquid fires, known for quickly suppressing intense flames and saving lives. However, the chemicals that make AFFF effective, particularly PFAS, are environmentally persistent and resistant to degradation. These substances are linked to significant contamination and adverse health effects on wildlife and humans.

As awareness grows about the long-term environmental impact of AFFF chemicals, understanding their full effects is crucial. From soil and water contamination to accumulation in the food chain, AFFF usage has profound repercussions. 

In this article, we explore AFFF science, environmental interactions, and hazards, emphasizing sustainable firefighting solutions and the need for robust regulations.

The Composition of AFFF Chemicals

AFFF is a complex mixture, but its core components are water, hydrocarbon surfactants, and fluorosurfactants. The latter is where the problem lies. These fluorosurfactants, primarily perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are the PFAS compounds of greatest concern. They are responsible for the fire-suppressing abilities of AFFF.

The ITRC notes that in a typical 3% AFFF concentrate, water/diluent makes up over 60%, solvents up to 20%, and surfactants 15-18%. Of the surfactants, less than 2% are fluorosurfactants. While this might seem small, it’s enough to cause significant contamination when released into the environment. 

AFFF contains PFAS, hydrocarbon surfactants, stabilizers, and other additives that enhance its firefighting capabilities. These chemicals are effective in fire suppression but are environmentally persistent. Their potential toxicity poses significant risks to ecosystems and human health.

Environmental Pathways of AFFF

AFFF chemicals can enter the environment through various pathways. Accidental spills during firefighting operations, improper disposal of firefighting foam, and leaching from contaminated sites are primary sources. Once released, PFAS can be transported through air, water, and soil. 

These substances do not break down easily and can migrate through soil and water, eventually reaching groundwater and surface water sources.

Can AFFF chemicals travel long distances in the environment, affecting areas far from the initial site?

Yes, AFFF chemicals, particularly PFAS, can travel long distances through soil, water, and air. Studies have shown that PFAS can travel hundreds of miles from their source through groundwater and surface water. Multiple studies, as reported by The Guardian, have found high PFAS levels in rain. These chemicals have also been discovered in ice near the earth’s poles. 

Impact on Soil, Groundwater, and Water Bodies

The deployment of AFFF significantly impacts soil, groundwater, and water bodies. When used, its chemicals, mainly PFAS, penetrate the soil, remaining there for decades and disrupting soil health. From the soil, PFAS can leach into groundwater, posing risks to nearby drinking water supplies.

Surface water bodies are also at risk, as runoff from AFFF usage can carry PFAS into rivers, lakes, and oceans. This contamination impacts aquatic ecosystems, causing PFAS bioaccumulation in fish and marine life, affecting the food chain and human health. 

A recent study analyzed government data on over 500 fish samples across the US. The study published in Environmental Research reveals that PFAS levels in freshwater fish are nearly 300 times higher than in ocean or farmed fish. This highlights a significant contamination issue in US waterways. 

How does AFFF contamination affect plant life and agriculture?

AFFF contamination poses a serious threat to plant life and agriculture. These chemicals can bioaccumulate in plants, contaminating the food chain. Soil absorption hinders plant growth and reduces crop yields. Additionally, PFAS can leach into groundwater, impacting irrigation and overall agricultural productivity.

Health Risks Associated with AFFF Exposure

Exposure to AFFF and its chemical components, particularly per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), poses significant health risks to humans. Research has linked PFAS exposure to various cancers, including kidney and testicular cancer, as well as liver damage, thyroid disease, and weakened immune systems. Also, PFAS can disrupt endocrine functions, leading to reproductive and developmental issues. 

The increasing evidence of PFAS health risks has triggered a surge in legal actions against AFFF manufacturers and users. These AFFF lawsuits claim that companies were aware of PFAS risks but neglected to warn the public or protect health and the environment. A notable AFFF lawsuit update involves a multi-district litigation (MDL) process consolidating thousands of cases to streamline and potentially settle. 

TruLaw reported that the AFFF firefighting foam MDL had increased by over 300 cases in the past month. As of August 1, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) reported 9,525 pending AFFF lawsuits. This rise highlights the growing scale of litigation related to AFFF contamination.

How can communities near contaminated sites protect themselves from potential health risks?

Communities near contaminated sites can protect themselves by staying informed, attending public meetings, and testing well water. They should also filter drinking water, avoid contaminated areas, and support cleanup efforts. It’s also crucial to advocate for stricter regulations on PFAS and hold responsible parties accountable.

Challenges in AFFF Cleanup and Remediation

Cleaning up AFFF contamination is challenging due to PFAS’s persistence. These chemicals resist breakdown, complicating remediation efforts. Widespread contamination often affects large areas of soil and groundwater, making cleanup costly and complex. Accurate identification of contamination requires advanced testing methods.

While methods like granular activated carbon and ion exchange can treat PFAS contamination, they are expensive and require frequent maintenance. Newer approaches like advanced oxidation processes offer potential but are still under development and not widely used for large-scale cleanup.

Regulatory Response and Legal Actions

Concerns over AFFF’s risks have spurred global action. Governments are imposing stricter regulations on PFAS, including limits on drinking water and potentially hazardous substance classifications. The US EPA is leading these efforts with new guidelines and potential CERCLA actions.

On the legal front, numerous lawsuits have been filed against AFFF manufacturers by municipalities, states, and individuals. These lawsuits claim that manufacturers failed to disclose the risks associated with PFAS, leading to widespread contamination and health problems. Legal actions aim to secure funds for environmental cleanup, medical costs, and damages.

What It Means for Future Generations

The long-lasting nature of AFFF chemicals, especially PFAS, poses a significant threat to future generations. These substances linger in the environment, building up in soil, water, and food, harming both people and ecosystems for decades. As a result, our children and grandchildren may face increased risks of cancer, liver disease, and hormonal imbalances.

Also, the economic burden of remediation and healthcare costs will likely continue to grow, placing financial strain on communities and governments. Addressing this issue requires immediate and sustained action to limit further contamination and develop effective cleanup technologies.

Navigating the Legacy of AFFF Contamination

The impact of AFFF chemicals on our environment is profound and far-reaching. The persistence of PFAS in soil, water, and food sources underscores the need for urgent and effective remediation efforts. As these chemicals impact ecosystems and health, future generations will confront ongoing contamination challenges and bear associated costs.

Addressing the issue requires a multifaceted approach. By prioritizing research, enforcing robust policies, and supporting affected communities, we can mitigate AFFF’s environmental and health impacts for a healthier future.