The innovation platform explores rapidly increasing regulations regarding the use of PFA in fire bullet foam around the world.
Historically, it has been widely used in fire foam foam due to its effectiveness in controlling flammable liquid fires. However, global concerns about these substances have increased significantly in recent years due to their harmful environmental and health effects. The compound remains in the environment for decades and acquires the nickname “Forever Chemicals.” Their accumulation leads to long-term pollution, particularly near airports, military bases and firefighting facilities.
Types of fire form
There are two main types of fire forms: Class A and Class B forms. Class A foams intended for use in class A fires (including ordinary flammable materials such as wood, paper, and textiles) are made from hydrocarbon-based surfactants and do not contain intentionally added PFA. However, Class B fire extinguishing foams are designed to tackle Class B fires containing flammable liquids, and the fluorinated Class B foam contains PFA (fluorinated surfactant) as the active ingredient. Class B forms are commonly used in industrial, commercial, military firefighting operations, and in situations where water may not be effective in extinguishing fires. One of the most common types of Class B is the Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), which forms a thin film on the surface of the fuel, preventing oxygen from reaching fire and disappearing more quickly. There are also alcohol-resistant membrane-forming foams (AR-AFFF foams) that are specially designed to combat fires that contain alcohol-based fuels such as ethanol and methanol. Alternatively, fluoroprotein foams are protein-based foams containing fluorinated surfactants, which are effective in eliminating fires containing hydrocarbon fuels, and are commonly used in aviation firefighting.
The urgency to change
The existence of PFA in its products is facing widespread backlash around the world, with some major companies facing PFA contamination lawsuits. In response to the acceleration concerns surrounding PFA, many companies and countries have pledged to reduce and even eliminate the use of PFA in their products. Following a long legal battle, the American multinational conglomerate 3M has pledged to move out of all PFA production by the end of 2025.
Regulatory bodies and established associations are calling for urgent action to tackle PFAs for products such as firefighters. In 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) Socioeconomic Analysis Committee (SEAC) promoted a gradual ban on PFA for firefighters, saying restrictions could reduce PFAS emissions by about 13,200 tons over 30 years.
Perfluorooctanocid (PFOA) – a type of PFA – its salts, and PFOA-related substances are generally prohibited in the EU and globally, but shooting bubbles are part of the time-limited exception. Fire forms including PFOA will be banned in the EU from December 2025.
In 2024, under the scope of the EU Chemistry Act, the European Commission introduced restrictions on the use of Undecafluorohexanoic (PFHXA) and PFHXA-related substances. These substances are extremely durable and mobile in water, and their use in certain products poses unacceptable risks to human health and the environment. Limitations focus on use where alternatives are available when risk is not properly controlled and socioeconomic costs are limited compared to human health and environmental benefits. The sale and use of PFHXA in consumer textiles is prohibited. Food packaging; consumer mixtures such as waterproof sprays. Cosmetics; and in firefighting foam applications like training and testing without compromising safety. The ban will come into effect from October 2026. The EU has identified the ban on PFA as an important priority under the European Chemical Strategy on Sustainability, and is expected to propose a more universal PFAS ban.
In the UK, banning fire forms including PFA is a step-by-step process. As of July 2025, the PFOA is completely banned by the UK firefighters to reflect EU restrictions. This includes prohibiting the production, import and supply of these forms. The restrictions do not apply to any type of fire service form, but regulators are calling for an extension of the ban. In August 2025, the Health and Safety Administration (HSE) began public consultations regarding restrictions on PFA on fire forms. The role as an institution for UK Reach – an approach to UK Achievement Law – The HSE has launched six months of consultation to propose UK Achievement Technology Documents and restrictions. This work is to prioritize the PFA in fire form prioritizing actions prior to other uses of PFA, from the HSE recommendations from the 2023 analysis.
Outside of Europe, other countries are also making progress towards phase-out of firefighter PFA. In the US, the Department of Defense (DOD) has taken steps to eliminate the use of aqueous membrane-forming foams containing PFA during installation. Additionally, many states have enforced prohibitions or restrictions on the use of PFA in firefighting forms. In Australia, as of July 2025, AFFF forms containing PFO, PFOA, or PFHX were banned nationwide under the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standards (ICHEMS). Additionally, the Canadian government has added PFA to its list of toxic substances in a move that could lead to chemical restrictions.
PFAS-free alternative
Research is increasing to PFAS-free alternatives as firefighter manufacturers and users comply with new restrictions. For example, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Institute of Applied Physics (APL) in Laurel, Maryland have tested and evaluated additives to enhance the fire control capabilities of fire suppressors that cannot use commercial PFAS. Migrating to a fluoride-free form can be challenging, including effectiveness disparities, the need for equipment changes and replacements, and the need for updated training. Therefore, it is essential for users and manufacturers to approach movements strategically and conduct thorough investigations. Evaluating device compatibility. Responsibly dispose of forms containing PFA. Reevaluation of training procedures.
Towards a future without PFAS
It is clear that the world is aware of the seriousness of PFA and that the orbit is moving in a positive direction. However, it is important now to focus your efforts to strengthen research on PFAS-free alternatives and help you move as effectively as possible into a world that does not contain PFAS. Regulations have been changing consistently and are now poised to confirm:
This article will also be featured in the 23rd edition of Quarterly Publication.
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