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Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is a fire suppressant that’s designed to combat flammable liquid fires. The foam forms a film on the fuel surface, which prevents oxygen from reaching the fire, resulting in it being extinguished.
AFFF is commonly used at airports, military bases, and in environments that are at a high risk of liquid fires. It’s important to note that AFFF contains synthetic chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Emerging research suggests that these “forever chemicals” can be harmful to humans and animals.
AFFF is a foam concentrate, typically made up of the following properties:
These chemical compounds reduce the surface tension of liquid. They also increase spreading and wetting properties. This allows the foam to spread more efficiently over the surface of a hydrocarbon fuel, reducing hydrocarbon vapors.
Also known as fluorosurfactants, these compounds improve the foam's ability to form a stable film. When the hydrophobic tail of a molecule is replaced with fluorine molecules, their chemical and thermal stability is improved. In turn, this makes for an excellent fire suppression property.
Whereas solvents help dissolve surfactants, additives stabilise the foam, which prevents it from dissolving too quickly. Together, solvents and additives give the foam its flow characteristics as well as its resistance to freezing.
When discharged, AFFF forms an aqueous film that spreads across the surface of a burning liquid. This creates a barrier between the fuel and the air, which suppresses the oxygen supply and smothers the fire. It also produces a foam blanket that prevents flammable vapors being released that could cause the fire to reignite.
The foam itself is made up of water, foam concentrate, surfactants, and air. Together, they reduce the surface tension of the water, allowing the foam to spread quickly and evenly across the fuel surface.
Because AFFF can be released quickly, it’s particularly effective in high-risk environments like airports, military bases, and industrial sites.
AFFF is typically used in environments where high temperature, fuel-rich fires are a risk. As such, it’s commonly used in the following industries:
Firefighters apply AFFF to fires using various methods, including handheld hoses, fire trucks, and sprinkler systems. The foam provides a barrier that resists re-ignition, which allows firefighters to gain control of the situation quickly.
Aqueous film-forming foam is used on airport runways, tarmacs, and in hangars. It’s used to treat fires caused by aircraft fuel spills, which can happen during refueling, landing, or accidents.
The handling and storage of flammable liquids like crude oil and gasoline requires a ready supply of AFFF. Because fires can occur in hard-to-reach environments like storage tanks, pipelines, and processing units, the foam’s expansion properties make AFFF particularly effective in the industry.
AFFF is a vital resource for managing fire risks on ships, offshore platforms, and at port facilities, where flammable liquids like fuel and oil are present.
Transport facilities often deal with the loading and storage of vehicle fuels. AFFF is used to manage fires that can occur from fuel spills, leaks, or accidents.
While AFFF is highly effective at controlling flammable liquid fires, it does pose environmental risks. Some of the primary concerns around AFFF are:
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals known for posing potential health risks. Their compounds are used in many AFFF formulations, and don’t break down easily. As such, they can accumulate in soil, water, and in living organisms.
When AFFF is used in large quantities, for example during firefighting, these chemicals can seep into ground and surface water. They can contaminate drinking water sources and harm aquatic life.
The bioaccumulative nature of PFAS has raised concerns about the environmental and human health impacts of AFFF.
Because PFAS can accumulate in organisms and biomagnify through the food chain, industries and governments are now focused on transitioning to PFAS-free foams. Likewise, many are implementing more stringent controls on the disposal of existing AFFF.
PFAS contamination can persist in soil, groundwater, and surface water. This poses risks to ecosystems and to human health.
Although there’s still a lack of credible data around the long-term impacts of PFAS, emerging evidence suggests that it can alter human metabolisms. It may also increase the risk of certain cancers, and weaken immune systems.
Governments are increasingly regulating PFAS use and promoting the transition to PFAS-free foams. There are guidelines around maximum contaminate levels, which vary between countries and jurisdictions.
For example, the EU is currently implementing rules to limit and ban the use of AFFF and PFAS chemicals. In the UK, AFFF is currently being phased out and will be banned from 2025.
In the US, many local and federal environmental agencies have restricted AFFF to “essential” use. And in some US states like New York and Washington, the sale and use of the foam has been banned entirely.
As concerns over the environmental and human health impacts of AFFF grow, several alternatives are being adopted:
Fluorine-free foams don’t contain PFAS chemicals. Instead, they rely on a combination of organic and synthetic surfactants. These are biodegradable and have a much lower environmental impact.
Protein foams are derived from natural protein sources, so they’re biodegradable. They’re typically made from hydrolysed proteins that are sourced from animal by-products like hooves, horns, and other keratin-rich materials.
Synthetic detergent foams are composed of a mixture of synthetic surfactants, stabilisers, and other additives. When combined, they enhance the foam's properties, like its stability and expansion ratio.
High-expansion foams can expand between 200 to 1,000 times their original liquid volume. When mixed with air, they produce a light foam that covers a large surface area. This makes it an effective fire suppressant in buildings, tunnels, and enclosed spaces.
Dry chemical agents like monoammonium phosphate (ABC powders), work by melting and forming a sticky residue that smothers fire. Because they have lower expansion properties, they’re typically used in smaller-scale applications.
Treating PFAS contamination can be challenging due to the chemical's stability. However, several remediation methods have been developed.
A common approach is adsorption, where activated carbon or ion-exchange resins capture PFAS molecules from contaminated water.
Another promising treatment is advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), which involve generating highly reactive species that break down PFAS into less harmful compounds.
Likewise, thermal treatment like incineration is effective at destroying PFAS in solid waste. And new technologies like electrochemical oxidation are being explored to degrade PFAS efficiently.
At Photon Remediation, our in-situ technologies, EarthGuard PRB™ and WaterGuard Nano™, effectively treat PFAS and co-contamination in soil and groundwater, respectively. WaterGuard Nano™ uses a patented process that involves groundwater injection and electrification directly on site. In a field trial with the Australian Government Department of Defence, WaterGuard Nano™ demonstrated 70% to 90% removal of PFAS from groundwater.
WaterGuard Nano™ trial project for the remediation of PFAS-contaminated groundwater
Traditionally, Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) has been crucial in firefighting.
However, despite their effectiveness, many AFFF formulations contain PFAS, which have a negative impact on the environment, and potentially on human health.
As such, many governments and organisations are phasing out the use of AFFF and are encouraging the use of PFAS-free foam alternatives.
At Photon Remediation, we combine safety and sustainability with technological innovation. Our cutting-edge PFAS treatments are designed to tackle the growing challenge of the forever chemicals in water and soil. Our aim is to transform landscapes, improve industrial environments and the local communities in which they operate.
