AFFF, or Aqueous Film-Forming Foam, is a firefighting agent that was created in the early 1970s. It quickly creates a thick foam blanket on the surface of flammable liquids, which helps to extinguish the fire. This article will help you understand it better.
What Is AFFF?
This chemical is called Aqueous Film Forming Foam which is a synthetic fluorinated surfactant that quickly forms a dense foam when mixed with water, which can be dangerous in high dosages. There are multiple known professions at high-risk of AFFF exposure such as firefighters, oil rig workers, and those in the military. AFFF is still used today in many fire suppression systems due to its ability to extinguish flammable liquid fires quickly. However, many people are suing for damages after getting in contact because of how harmful it can be.
The main component of AFFF that makes it so effective is Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) which has been linked to various health problems such as cancer, thyroid disease, and reproductive issues.
Why You Should Know About AFFF?
It’s important for you to know as many details as possible about AFFF so that you can know how to protect yourself from it and what it can do. No matter how useful of a chemical it is, there are still some things that you need to know before using it.
It’s Harmful To Health
It’s been well-documented that AFFF is harmful to human health. A recent study by the University of Melbourne found that AFFF can disrupt hormones and lead to weight gain, fertility problems, and cancer. It has also been linked to liver damage, kidney damage, and immune system disorders.
For example, one of the most common chemicals in AFFF, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), has been classified as a “likely human carcinogen” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Environmental Concerns
AFFF is also bad for the environment. The main environmental concerns with AFFF are contaminating water supplies, harming wildlife, as well as causing soil erosion.
All of these concerns are linked to the fact that AFFF is a synthetic chemical.
For example, when AFFF is sprayed on a fire, the chemicals can run off into nearby water supplies.
AFFF has also been known to harm animals. The chemicals in AFFF can cause skin irritation, eye damage, and even death if ingested.
Soil erosion is another environmental concern caused by AFFF. When AFFF is used, it often sticks to the ground and doesn’t degrade as natural materials would. This can lead to a loss of topsoil, which is essential for plant growth.
You Need To Protect Yourself
There are some ways to protect yourself from AFFF. These are the following:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outside.
- Use mosquito repellent.
- Stay in places with air conditioning or that have window screens.
- Avoid being outdoors during peak mosquito hours, which are dawn and dusk.
It’s important to have protection whenever you’re working with chemicals, especially when you’re cleaning. But it goes for anything you use. If you are traveling to an area where AFFF is present, take extra precautions. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, use mosquito repellent, and stay in air-conditioned areas.
There Are Alternatives
It’s essential to note that there are alternatives to AFFF. Several companies have alternatives that are fluorine-free and thus don’t have the same harmful health effects. You can find these products easily with a quick internet search.
Do your research before you buy any fire suppression product, and make sure you know what it is made of. It’s not only important for your safety, but also for the safety of those around you. Be an informed consumer and stay safe!
AFFF is a useful, yet dangerous chemical mixture you should vary about. Make sure to learn as much as you can about them because they can harm you and the environment. You can protect yourself better if you’re informed and may even find better alternatives to use!
