Hydrogel is an innovative fire suppression technology that eliminates PFAS chemicals, providing effective fire suppression while addressing environmental and health concerns associated with traditional firefighting foams.
Hydrogels are a new generation of fire extinguishing agents based on breakthrough material technology. Unlike traditional firefighting foams, hydrogels deliver high firefighting performance without the use of any fluorochemicals, eliminating PFAS-related environmental and human health concerns while maintaining superior operational efficiency.
PFAS in Fire Service Personnel: Performance and Results
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are comprised of a group of approximately 10,000 synthetic chemicals that are evaluated for their water-, oil-, and stain-repellent properties. These properties are driving their widespread use in clothing, electronics, cosmetics, cooking utensils, and importantly, firefighting foams.
In firefighting foam, PFAS compounds are used to:
Improves the diffusion and rapid flow of bubbles across flammable liquid surfaces. Increases stability at high temperatures. Increases the choking effect of fuels such as gasoline, heptane, and other hydrocarbons.
However, during firefighting and training, foam residue enters the soil and ultimately contaminates surface and groundwater. PFAS compounds are highly persistent (“forever chemicals”), bioaccumulate, and long-term exposure can lead to adverse health effects, including cancer. Measurable levels of PFAS are now found in the blood of most people around the world.
Firefighters, both civilian and military, are particularly at risk due to chronic exposure. In Europe alone, the annual health-related costs associated with PFAS exposure are estimated to be between €52 billion and €84 billion if no ban was enacted.
PFAS regulations accelerating in Europe
To address these risks, the European Union implemented Regulation (EU) 2025/1988, introducing gradual restrictions on fire extinguishing agents containing PFAS.
regulatory schedule
December 3, 2025 – Complete ban on the use of PFOA April 10, 2026 – Ban on PFHxA-containing agents for training/testing October 23, 2026 – Ban on the sale of most PFAS-containing fire extinguishers (excluding alcohol-resistant types) October 23, 2027 – Ban on all PFAS-based fire extinguishers April 10, 2029 – Banned sale of PFHxA-containing agents in civil aviation January 1, 2031 – Complete ban on the use and possession of PFAS extinguishing agents
Although this regulation represents significant progress, it still allows PFAS concentrations up to 1 ppm, a level that still poses bioaccumulation and long-term health risks. The Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway have therefore submitted a more comprehensive draft regulation to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) aimed at banning the production and marketing of PFAS. A final opinion is expected by the end of 2026.
Hydrogel: A truly PFAS-free fire extinguishing solution
Hydrogels are designed to provide high-performance fire suppression that is equal to or exceeds PFAS-based technologies without the use of any fluorinated compounds.
Main benefits
1. Zero detectable PFAS (≤1 ppb)
Independent laboratory analyzes (Intertek and Fraunhofer) have confirmed that the hydrogel contains no detectable PFAS with a measurement limit of 1 ppb. This is 1,000 times lower than the threshold of EU Regulation 2025/1988 and fully compliant with the upcoming ECHA proposal.
2. High performance fire extinguishing performance
Hydrogels are suitable for:
Lithium ion battery fire Class A fire (solid combustibles) Class B fire (flammable liquids) Class F fire (edible oils and fats)
The unique thermoresponsive gel structure provides strong adhesion to surfaces, rapid cooling, and effective oxygen exclusion.
3. Fully recyclable and environmentally safe
After use, the used hydrogel can be returned to Anogas BV for recycling. The natural clay-based additive can be safely applied as a compost enhancer, providing a circular and waste-free life cycle.
4. Certified and ready to use
The hydrogels are:
KIWA NTA 8133 certification Apragaz EN3-7 certification (for 6L and 9L fire extinguishers)
It is supplied as a premixed, ready-to-use formulation and must be applied at an ambient temperature above 0°C.
5. European production and supply
The hydrogel is manufactured in the Netherlands and is available at:
1000L IBC 300L IBC 25L Jerry can
conclusion
As regulatory pressures increase and the health effects of PFAS become an inevitable industry reality, fire safety professionals need solutions that deliver uncompromised fire suppression performance without sacrificing the environment. Hydrogels offer a future-proof, certified, true-zero PFAS alternative, ready to meet the challenges of next-generation firefighting.
This article will be published in an upcoming PFAS Special Focus Publication in January.
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