Firefighting foam has undoubtedly been a game-changer in battling blazes, especially those involving flammable liquids. However, the most common type – Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) – has been scrutinized for its environmental impact and health risks in recent years.
With concerns about harmful chemicals seeping into groundwater and the long-term health effects on firefighters, the need for safer alternatives is more pressing than ever. But don’t worry innovation is on our side. New technologies are emerging to replace AFFF, ensuring we keep our firefighters equipped and our planet protected.
We’ll explore 4 alternative technologies that can replace the hazardous AFFF in the firefighting industry.
Why Do You Need An AFFF Alternative?
TorHoerman Law notes that AFFF is a Class B firefighting foam that effectively combats flammable liquid fires when mixed with water.
While great at its job of suppressing fire quickly, the AFFF contains poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chemicals that do not break down ever. Aptly named “forever chemicals,” these substances pose a significant threat of environmental pollution. Furthermore, PFAS are also a health hazard for those who come into their contact, making them a threat to firefighters.
A significant firefighting population has suffered serious health issues – including various types of cancer – due to their long-term exposure to AFFF. As an outcome, they’ve joined hands to file an AFFF lawsuit against its manufacturers for their failure to warn about the side effects associated with it. As of June 2024, more than 8,000 cases are pending in the lawsuit.
In other words, the shift towards AFFF alternatives is driven by the urgent need to protect our environment and safeguard the health of firefighters.
Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS)
Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS) stand out as a promising alternative to AFFF in firefighting due to their effectiveness, versatility, and reduced environmental impact.
Instead of relying on chemical additives like AFFF, CAFS generate foam by mixing compressed air with water and a foaming agent. This mixture creates a thick, stable foam blanket that efficiently smothers fires, cutting off the oxygen supply and suppressing the flames rapidly.
CAFS are also highly versatile and can be used across various fire types, including structural fires, wildland fires, and even vehicle fires. This adaptability makes CAFS a valuable tool for firefighters facing diverse scenarios, enhancing operational flexibility and effectiveness on the field.
Lastly, CAFS are known for their efficient use of resources. The foam generated by CAFS expands significantly, covering a larger surface area with less water compared to conventional methods. This not only conserves water but also reduces the runoff of contaminants into the environment, mitigating potential damage to ecosystems.
Eco-Gel
Another promising alternative to AFFF, eco-gel is a fire suppressant formulated using environmentally friendly materials such as biodegradable gelling agents and water. It adheres to surfaces and blankets the fire, preventing the ignition of flammable vapors and suppressing flames effectively.
As you can gather by the name itself, eco-gel’s biggest advantage is its eco-friendly nature. It breaks down naturally over time, minimizing potential harm to ecosystems and water sources, unlike the forever chemicals present in AFFF.
Eco-gel can also suppress both class A and B fires. This quality makes it a valuable tool for firefighters facing diverse scenarios, enhancing operational flexibility and effectiveness on the field. Lastly, eco-gel stands out for its shelf life, which is significantly longer than most foam systems that degrade over time and under certain circumstances.
In July last year, when Canada was struggling with a terrible wildfire season, eco-gel was employed to help suppress it without harming human health or the environment.
FireRein, an Ontario-based company that produced it, highlighted how it was made of plant-based ingredients like canola oil and cornstarch. Quincy Emmons, the co-founder of the company, said, “If you’ve had a salad or salad dressing, you’ve had most of our ingredients.”
Water Mist Systems
While we’re on the subject of AFFF alternatives, water mist systems are another compelling choice for a safer and more versatile fire suppressant.
Here’s how water mist systems work – these systems generate tiny water droplets, typically using high-pressure pumps and specialized nozzles. The water droplets decrease the overall application rate and reduce oxygen levels at the root to extinguish both visible and hidden fires.
Water mist systems have been used in the maritime industry for a long time. However, it was around the mid-1990s when their utility as a fire safety system in areas with limited water resources was first explored.
Water mist systems offer superior safety benefits compared to AFFF. Since they use only water, there are no concerns about harmful chemical exposure for firefighters or potential environmental contamination. These systems also produce less runoff compared to foam systems, minimizing the risk of secondary damage to property and ecosystems.
Fluorine-Free Foams (F3)
Fluorine-Free Foams (F3) represent a significant advancement in firefighting technology, offering a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to AFFF.
F3 foams are formulated without the use of fluorinated compounds, which are associated with environmental persistence and health concerns.
Furthermore, F3 foams offer comparable or even superior fire suppression performance to AFFF. These foams are engineered to quickly extinguish flames by cooling and smothering the fire, effectively cutting off the oxygen supply. Through innovative formulations and advanced technology, F3 foams deliver reliable firefighting capabilities without compromising on effectiveness.
The adoption of F3 foams by the American government is a testament to both their superior safety and effectiveness.
In January 2023, the Department of Defense (DoD) published documents of F3 military specification, allowing foam manufacturers to submit their own MILSPECs for approval. If their product matches the quality standards of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), it will be used for aircraft firefighting.
This movement was first initiated in December 2022, when the FAA was first directed by Congress to create a transition plan for the orderly move to F3 foams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can AI improve on existing fire prevention technologies?
The most important thing AI can do is improve the existing fire detection systems by employing sensor data and image recognition. These technologies can detect flames and smoke in real time, making swift suppression possible.
What is firefighting gear made up of?
Firefighting gear is made up of several layers of different materials to offer firefighters protection against heat, flames, and other occupational hazards. The outer layer is made up of Nomex or Kevlar, while the innermost layer contains fabrics with moisture-wicking qualities to keep them dry.
Are wildland firefighters trained differently from regular firefighters?
Yes. Wildland firefighters undergo special training to assess and manage fire behavior in outdoor environments. They’re also educated about a better understanding of topography, weather conditions, and fuel types that influence fire spread.
To wrap things up, it’s clear that innovation is taking center stage in the quest for safer and more environmentally friendly firefighting solutions.
Whether it’s using eco-friendly gels or high-tech water mist systems, firefighters now have a range of options to choose from. These alternatives help them tackle blazes effectively while keeping themselves and the environment protected.
