AFFF Lawsuit Navy – Transitioning from AFFF to Fluorine-Free Alternatives

The recent lawsuit surrounding the use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), especially in aircraft firefighting, is prompting the Navy and other military branches to move away from AFFF due to its harmful PFAS chemicals.

This transition marks a significant shift towards safer alternatives, such as fluorine-free foams (F3) and Encapsulator Technology, which reduce environmental and health risks while enhancing fire suppression capabilities.

The Impact of AFFF Foams on Navy & Military Firefighting

What is AFFF?

• Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF): Contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of synthetic chemicals that are known as “forever chemicals,” that are used to create a heat-resistant film that rapidly extinguishes flames. These toxic substances are commonly used in clothing, fabrics, and food packaging.

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) has been widely used in military and navy aircraft carriers due to its ability to suppress high-intensity flammable liquid fires like those involving jet fuel.

Previously, organizations mandated the use of firefighting foams that contained PFAS because of their effectiveness against aircraft fires. AFFF’s quick action and durability provided a reliable solution to combat fires in critical situations.

Health Risks and EPA Concerns About PFAS

Despite its effectiveness, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now raising concerns about the potential health risks posed by AFFF exposure.

These chemicals persist in the environment and accumulate in the human body for many years beyond the original point of contact. Scientific studies have linked PFAS exposure to serious health conditions, including various types of cancers – prompting a re-evaluation of their use in firefighting foams.

Firefighting Foam Lawsuits Revealing PFAS Contamination

The growing awareness of PFAS risks has led to multiple lawsuits, bringing to light the contamination on military bases due to long-term AFFF use. These legal actions have revealed extensive soil and water contamination from PFAS.

As a result, the US Navy, Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard are now seeking safer alternatives, aiming to reduce the harmful effects of PFAS in their firefighting practices.

The Shift from AFFF to Fluorine-Free Fire Suppression Systems

In response to growing health and environmental concerns, the Department of Defense has mandated that the U.S. Navy and military installations phase out AFFF and transition to fluorine-free alternatives.

As military firefighting units adapt to this change, they must find alternatives that maintain high standards of safety and effectiveness. The challenge lies in identifying fire suppression systems that provide the same level of fire control as AFFF without the toxic chemicals – that’s where Hazard Control Technologies comes into play.

Alternative Solutions for Advanced Fire Protection

We offer a fluorine-free, biodegradable, and non-corrosive solution for safer firefighting, vapor mitigation, flammable spill control, and contamination response. Our lithium-ion battery fire suppression systems are as effective in controlling hangar fires without exposing people to the health risks associated with PFAS.

HCT’s solutions represent the future of fire safety, providing an innovative solution for multi-class and three-dimensional fires when plain water and fluorine-free foams fall short.

Benefits of Encapsulator Technology Over Fluorine-Free Foams

Encapsulator Technology goes beyond traditional FFF, offering a versatile approach that is better fit to fight military fires.

Mitigates Multi-Class Fire Hazards

Unlike FFF, which only mitigates Class A and Class B fires, our Encapsulator Technology effectively responds to multi-class fire hazards.

• Class A – Extinguishes natural and synthetic materials using much less water.
• Class B – Neutralizes hydrocarbon jet fuel.
• Class C – Effectively extinguishes fires in an energized environment.
• Class D – Mitigates combustible metal hazards in military applications.

Mitigates Three-Dimensional and Flowing Fuel Fire Hazards

NFPA 11 states that foam is not suitable for fighting three-dimensional fires. However, Encapsulator Technology is designed to handle these fires, offering essential protection against fuel hazards.

Reduces Toxic Exposure to Carcinogens

While fluorine-free foams don’t address the toxins in smoke, Encapsulator Agents significantly reduce these harmful substances.

Third-party testing shows that Encapsulator Technology can lower polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), offering better protection for people and the environment.

Human Health and Environmental Concerns: Why Fluorine-Free Alternatives Are Essential

PFAS chemicals have been linked to a range of severe health problems, including:

• Kidney cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Liver damage
• Other immune system diseases

PFAS exposure has also been associated with reproductive issues, increased cholesterol levels, and developmental effects in children. Because PFAS are “forever chemicals” and accumulate over time, the long-term risks of these chemicals are amplified.

For military firefighters who are frequently exposed to AFFF on the job, these risks are very concerning, prompting a push for safer, non-toxic alternatives.

The Military’s Role in Addressing These Challenges

With numerous military bases identified as PFAS-contaminated sites, there is a pressing need to mitigate further harm. The Department of Defense recognizes the urgency of this issue and is driving efforts to transition to safer firefighting solutions like what HCT offers.

By implementing fluorine-free fire suppression systems, various industries are taking significant steps toward safeguarding Navy and military personnel and the communities surrounding them.

Why Hazard Control Technologies is the Best Solution for Fluorine-Free Fire Suppression

HCT is the leader in fluorine-free fire suppression, offering solutions that are highly effective and safe for military use. Our products are designed to meet rigorous military specifications for aircraft firefighting, ensuring that they can transition away from toxic firefighting foam without compromising performance.

The Power of F-500 EA

Effective fire suppression is achieved with our F-500 EA, a fluorine-free, non-corrosive, and biodegradable encapsulating agent. It’s capable of extinguishing multiple fire classes and provides unmatched protection for diverse fire risks, from aviation and automotive to military and marine environments.

As an ISO-9001-certified company, we ensure that every solution we offer undergoes rigorous testing to meet and exceed industry standards. This commitment ensures that our fire suppression systems provide consistent, reliable protection for people, property, and the environment.

Ready for a Safer Future? Request a Quote Today

As the military moves away from AFFF firefighting foam and looks for safer alternatives, we are here to support this transition. Request a quote today and discover how HCT can provide you with the most effective, environmentally friendly fire suppression solutions available.