What chemicals are in AFFF foam?
Aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) are water-based and frequently contain hydrocarbon-based surfactant such as sodium alkyl sulfate, and fluorosurfactant, such as fluorotelomers, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), or perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS).
Is high expansion foam toxic?
High expansion foams have an environmental value as well. The environmental impact of the fluorocarbon surfactant used in some firefighting foams has been criticized in recent years. High expansion foams do not contain this surfactant and are overall low in toxicity.
Does high expansion foam contain Pfas?
Protein Foam was produced without using PFAS. High-Expansion Foam is used in fighting Class-A, Class-B, and LNG fires both indoors and outdoors. The PFAS chemicals are not PFOA or PFOS. However, in earlier fluoroprotein foams, PFOA and PFOS may have been present in low levels.
What is alcohol resistant foam?
BIOEX AR-AFFF foams (Alcohol-Resistant Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) provide efficient vapor suppression and extinguishment of liquid class B fires containing hydrocarbons and polar solvents. By forming a polymer layer, it seals the fuel surface and prevents the release of fuel vapors.
Is firefighter foam toxic?
Firefighting foam contains numerous toxic chemicals known as “forever chemicals.” These chemicals do not break down quickly and stay around for a long time. They are linked to a variety of chronic and disabling illnesses and conditions, especially cancers.
Does AFFF contain PFOA?
PFOA is not an intended ingredient in AFFF, but is a side product created during the manufacturing process. Many AFFF formulations contain other unintended PFAS side products that have similar health and environmental concerns.
What is high expansion foam made of?
High expansion (HI-EX) foam agents, also called detergent foams or multipurpose synthetic foams, are typically based upon fatty alcohols, alkyl sulphates and butyl carbitol. As the name suggests they expand at high ratios to quickly form voluminous foam for specific applications in extinguishing and vapour suppression.
What is high expansion foam usually used for?
High Expansion foam is suitable for use in combating fires in buildings, process areas, warehouses, and aircraft hangar systems. High expansion foam systems can be used for protection of LNG storage areas by quickly blanketing the flammable liquid surface and helping to control vapor release.
Does C6 foam have PFAS?
It may not be easy to tell if the foam you have contains PFAS. PFAS may not be listed under any active ingredients list, either. A good indicator that the foam contains PFAS is if it mentions fluorosurfactant, fluoroprotein, C6, or the use of “fluoro”, however, not all fluorinated surfactants are made of PFAS.
What is the difference between low expansion foam and high expansion foam?
LOW EXPANSION FOAM: Foam aerated to an expansion ratio of between 2 to 1 and 20 to 1. MEDIUM EXPANSION FOAM: Expansion ratio between 20 to 1 and 200 to 1. HIGH EXPANSION FOAM: Expansion ratio above 200 to 1. From the above, it becomes obvious that a 3% foam concentrate is twice as concentrated as a 6% foam concentrate.
