By Doug Nelson, State Fire Marshal
Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS or PFOS) are a type of chemical that is known commonly as a “forever chemical.” This is due to how slowly they degrade in varying environments. These chemicals have also been shown to contribute to a wide range of health concerns. Most commonly, PFAS enters your system through drinking water or attachment to foods that are consumed. This is where the current PFAS debate and concerns connect to the fire service.
The fire service has long used Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF) for fighting class B, or liquid, fires. AFFF works by forming a layer of foam on top of the liquid that is on fire and disrupting the chemical chain reaction by removing oxygen and saponification. AFFF is often common and found in great quantities at airports and other special hazard facilities. AFFF works great for extinguishing fires, but it has also been found to contain PFAS. Some PFAS contamination has been linked to locations where large use or training with AFFF foams has taken place.
The Department of Environmental Quality studies the levels of PFAS in public water sources throughout North Dakota. Thus far, DEQ has not found any public water source where levels are above the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended threshold. DEQ and the State Fire Marshals Office have teamed up to provide a fact data sheet on PFAS and AFFF foam that can be found here. DEQ has recently also sent out a press release with this information. The most recent press release and other information can be found at DEQ’s website here.
Please keep in mind the following regarding your fire department’s use of AFFF that contains PFAS; do not use it for training, only in emergencies; there are foams available that do not contain PFAS; North Dakota currently does not recognize any kind of safe disposal of AFFF that contains PFAS. Alternatives to traditional AFFF may include “fluorine free foams”.
Also, PFAS is present in many things besides firefighting foams. Many households and everyday items contain PFAS, even the bunker or turn-out gear that you put on when training or responding to a fire.
The State Fire Marshals Office will continue to work with all other agencies and local jurisdictions to ensure we are aware of risks to fire departments, firefighters and the public. For other fact data sheets on other topics, please visit our Community Risk Reduction (CRR) webpage. If you have any questions related to PFAS or AFFF please contact us.