Firefighting foam has been hailed as a crucial tool in combatting hazardous fires, with its ability to smother flames efficiently. However, behind this life-saving solution lurks an environmental menace that extends beyond the immediate fire zone.
The composition of firefighting foam, particularly the inclusion of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), poses a significant threat to human health.
As a shield against raging fires, firefighting foam releases a cascade of chemical agents meant to suppress flames rapidly. Regrettably, these chemicals don’t disappear once the fire is extinguished. Instead, they infiltrate our water ecosystems, triggering a chain reaction of contamination that reaches far beyond the initial firefighting site.
In this blog, we will discuss the insidious ways firefighting foam pollutes our water and, consequently, our bodies.
The Problem with PFAS
At the heart of the water and body pollution crisis lies a group of chemicals known as PFAS. These compounds, recognized for their heat-resistant and water-repellent properties, emerge as the chief culprits behind the persistent contamination caused by firefighting foam.
What makes PFAS particularly insidious is their persistence in the environment. These “forever chemicals” exhibit remarkable resistance to breaking down, contributing to their pervasive presence.
Recent data released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) underscores the alarming prevalence of PFAS in public drinking water systems. Toxic concentrations of these chemicals have been identified in over one in four systems, serving approximately 46 million people across the United States.
The ubiquity of PFAS contamination is underscored by its nationwide reach, affecting water systems of varying sizes in every state. USA Today’s analysis sheds light on the widespread impact, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive regulatory measures and heightened awareness.
From Fire to Faucet: The Contamination Pathway
The direct discharge of foam runoff, whether from training exercises or actual firefighting scenarios, presents an immediate risk. This is because it can easily infiltrate rivers, streams, and groundwater, setting off a potential cycle of water pollution.
PFAS compounds exhibit their insidious nature as they infiltrate the soil, seeping through the earth and contaminating underground aquifers.
Equally concerning is the atmospheric deposition of PFAS, where airborne particles generated during fires settle on both land and water bodies. This process adds another dimension to the contamination pathway, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of firefighting foam use.
Another illustration of a contamination pathway is exemplified by an incident near Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, as reported by Navy Times. A maintenance contractor’s mistake led to the spill of 1,300 gallons of toxic fire suppressant at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage site.
The improper installation of equipment resulted in the concentrate seeping onto paved surfaces and soil. This incident underscores the pressing necessity for stringent protocols to address and minimize the environmental consequences stemming from firefighting foam.
The Silent Threat in Our Bodies
The insidious infiltration of PFAS from firefighting foam into our bodies underscores a silent threat with far-reaching health implications. Exposure to PFAS occurs through contaminated water and fish, creating a multifaceted pathway for these toxic chemicals to enter our systems.
TorHoerman Law notes that the potential health risks associated with PFAS exposure are alarming. They include an increased risk of certain cancers, thyroid problems, immune system dysfunction, birth defects, and liver complications.
The gravity of these risks is emphasized by the ongoing firefighter foam lawsuit. Legal actions against Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) manufacturers allege that they were aware of the health risks associated with PFAS. But they failed to disclose them to the public.
The AFFF Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) encompasses nearly 6,000 individual lawsuits related to injuries resulting from AFFF exposure. These lawsuits, consolidated into multidistrict litigation, underscore the pressing need for accountability in addressing the consequences of PFAS exposure.
Beyond the Firehouse: The Widespread Impact
This pervasive contamination has infiltrated water sources, affecting not only human populations but also wildlife and ecosystems. The environmental consequences are vividly illustrated in various regions, showcasing the alarming mobility and water solubility of PFAS.
According to The Maine Monitor, PFAS, being highly mobile and water-soluble, is predominantly distributed through rivers and groundwater. Christoph Aeppli, a senior research scientist at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, is spearheading efforts to assess PFAS movement through marine food webs.
His research highlights the widespread uptake of PFAS by marine organisms, including bottom-dwelling species and those in the water column.
Seeking Solutions and a Safer Future
The fight against PFAS contamination isn’t solely about damage control. It’s about charting a safer course for the future. Scientists are diligently developing PFAS-free firefighting foams, crafting alternatives that offer the same fire-stopping power without lasting health consequences.
Regulations are also evolving, with stricter controls on the use and disposal of PFAS-laden foams. Government bodies are working alongside manufacturers to phase out these harmful chemicals, setting clear standards for safer alternatives. This legislative shift empowers communities to hold polluters accountable and advocate for cleaner water sources.
But progress isn’t just driven by policy and science. Communities are at the forefront of this fight, raising awareness through grassroots campaigns and educational initiatives.
From organizing public forums to holding lawmakers accountable, their voices are the fuel propelling action. They remind us that a safer future isn’t a distant dream but a collective effort demanding our attention.