PFAS (or Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made, toxic chemicals. They are the active ingredient found in fluorinated foams used in Class B fire suppression systems or handheld fire extinguishers.

PFAS-containing foams resist high temperatures and chemical attacks whilst being oil and water-repellent. They fight flammable liquid fires by serving as surfactants. Once discharged, the PFAS spreads the foam to cool the fire and then forms a heat-resistant blanket to smother the flame. Despite being an effective fire suppression choice, PFAS can be highly toxic. Indeed, studies have linked exposure to PFAS to causing long-term health complications. To protect yourself and the environment, PFAS-containing foam extinguishers must be properly disposed of.  

Here at OHEAP, we understand how much of an impact investing in safe disposal can make on your fire safety and overall health. Our team of trusted fire safety experts are ready to help. offering guidance for safely disposing of PFAS in your foam fire extinguisher.

This blog looks at how PFAS is safely disposed of, why safely disposing of PFAS-containing fire extinguishers is so important, and why this additional process may increase costs.

Which Fire Extinguishers Contain PFAS?

PFAS is typically found in Aqueous Film Forming Foam extinguishers (AFFF) used to tackle Class A or B fires.

AFFFs are a foam fire extinguisher used to rapidly combat flammable liquid fires. They can also effectively target fires triggered by combustible materials. Despite AFFF being an effective fire suppressor they can have dangerous environmental and health impacts.

How Is PFAS Safely Disposed?

PFAS can be difficult to dispose of due to their persistence. Also, if disposed of incorrectly, the PFAS-containing foam can potentially release harmful by-products. The safest way to ensure that all PFAS has been destroyed is first to take the PFAS-containing foam to a specialised area off-site (this removes the risk of PFAS exposure). The second is to incinerate the PFAS-containing foam at a minimum of 1100 degrees.

Step One: A foam fire extinguisher is first serviced to check for any potential damage or developing hazards. If it fails its extinguisher servicing and requires disposal, both the unit and the contents should be removed from the site.

Step Two: If the extinguisher is still full, the unit should be discharged, and the contents stored in a sealed container.

Step Three: The fire extinguisher cylinder is then stripped. The plastic, metal and rubber components are separated and disposed of in a designated waste collection unit.

Step Four: The foam contents must be disposed of by a registered carrier complying with the Environment Agency’s regulations. This ensures that they are incinerated at the required temperatures and that PFAS is fully disposed of.

Why Might Safely Disposing PFAS-Containing Fire Extinguishers Cause Additional Costs?

Disposing of PFAS-containing fire extinguishers is highly specialised and complex. Essentially, with fewer professionals trained to safely dispose of these extinguishers, the disposal process becomes more costly.

Unlike standard waste, the disposal process of PFAS is far more involved. It requires specialised skills from a fire safety expert, in-depth training to handle hazardous materials and all the equipment needed to safely process the hazard. Safely disposing of PFAS must also be done in a controlled environment and can only be truly disposed of through incineration. This careful process of disposing of PFAS takes longer to destroy the harmful chemical and, therefore, costs more.

Alongside this, the current state of AFFF means that older foam fire extinguisher models are gradually being phased out. This will increase the demand to safely dispose of PFAS. The scarcity of professionals trained to tackle the entire PFAS disposal process will also impact costs. Ultimately, as the disposal process is more complex and time-consuming, it will cost more.

Why Must PFAS Be Safely Disposed?

Safely disposing of PFAS is a sustainable, choice to protect the environment and humans. If you do not safely dispose of PFAS-containing foams the chemical will have lasting, dangerous consequences.

PFAS Are Hazardous to Health:

Being repeatedly exposed to PFAS can cause long-term health problems such as liver damage, thyroid disease, obesity, fertility issues and cancer.

Prolonged exposure to PFAS can significantly impact health. It can become especially dangerous if it touches the skin, is swallowed, or is inhaled. This increases the risk of danger for firefighters working closely with the chemical. Even if the fire is safely dealt with, the extinguishing agent may cause lingering damage to health. Remember, though, that it is not just direct contact with the chemical that can cause harm. Once discharged, PFAS can spread through the soil, water, or sewer to cause environmental damage and contamination.

PFAS Can Cause Long-Term Damage:

PFAS are sometimes branded ‘the forever chemical’ for a reason.

PFAS are designed to be non-degrading. This means that the chemical will break down very slowly (if at all) in the environment and inside the human body. Therefore, PFAS can slowly poison people and the area for thousands of years.

PFAS Can Quickly Spread:

If PFAS is not safely disposed of it can contaminate soil, water and food.

Many PFAS found in fire-fighting foams are both bioavailable and bio accumulative, meaning they are easily absorbed by living organisms and can build up in the body over time. The scope of the chemical can rapidly increase during disposal. For example, in landfills, through wastewater discharge, or by spreading sludge on agricultural land.

PFAS can spread to the water you drink, the food you eat and the air you breathe. By failing to safely dispose of your PFAS-containing foam extinguishers you are not only affecting those presently closest to you but the entire surrounding future environment.

Alternatives to AFFF Fire Extinguishers

OHEAP recognises the health risks PFAS can cause. This is why we are transitioning towards water fire extinguishers. Both water spray and mist extinguishers tackle Class A and B fires just as effectively without the long-term hazards. For a safer foam alternative, fluorine-free foam extinguishers are available.

Conclusion – Should You Invest in the Disposal of PFAS?

At OHEAP we firmly believe that investing in the proper disposal of PFAS is essential. Safely disposing of PFAS-containing fire extinguishers is not just a legal requirement. It is a critical step towards protecting your health and the environment.

Our fire safety experts are always committed to ensuring safe and responsible fire safety practices. This includes assisting with safely disposing of PFAS. While the disposal process may involve some additional costs your fire safety equipment will be an investment in safety and sustainability. By choosing to safely dispose of your PFAS-containing fire extinguishers with us, you are helping maintain the safety and sustainability of the world.