Recent Blog Posts
Understanding the Shift from PFAS in Firefighting Foams Health and Environmental Implications
Posted on August 21, 2025 in Uncategorized
Firefighting foams have been pretty much essential in battling fires for a long time. But here's the thing: growing concerns about their safety and environmental impact are driving a shift away from foams containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals are linked to health issues and, unfortunately, they stick around in the environment for ages. And that's concerning. So, understanding the transition to safer alternatives is crucial for safeguarding human health and our planet.
What Are PFAS and Why Have They Been Used in Firefighting Foams?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals that have been used since the 1970s in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs). Why? Because they effectively combat liquid fuel fires. Think of it like forming a protective barrier over flammable liquids, stopping vapors from igniting. However, PFAS are infamous for sticking around in the environment, bioaccumulating in living organisms, and, worryingly, posing health risks.
Continue Reading ››
Unraveling the Connection Between Firefighter Gear, PFAS Contamination, and Health Risks
Posted on August 20, 2025 in Uncategorized
Firefighters really count on their protective gear to keep them safe. But here's the thing: recent studies have uncovered some hidden health risks tied to this equipment. Turns out, wear and tear on firefighter gear can release PFAS—those hazardous chemicals linked to all sorts of health issues. And that's concerning. This discovery is pretty significant because it connects to ongoing worries about firefighting foam and its impact on both the environment and our health. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is actually leading the charge with research that's reshaping how we understand these risks and exploring ways to tackle them.
What Are PFAS and Why Are They in Firefighter Gear?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals that make products resistant to oil, water, and stains—basically, essential properties for firefighting gear. However, PFAS are often called "forever chemicals" because they stick around in the environment for a long time, leading to some serious long-term contamination challenges.
Continue Reading ››
Firefighting Foam and the Hidden Dangers of PFAS to Firefighters and Communities
Posted on August 19, 2025 in Uncategorized
Firefighting foam, specifically aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), is pretty much essential for putting out fires. But here's the catch: it contains PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which, unfortunately, pose significant health risks. These "forever chemicals" are linked to some really severe health issues, including cancer, affecting both firefighters and the communities they serve. And that's concerning.
What Are PFAS and Why Are They Called Forever Chemicals?
So, PFAS are synthetic chemicals that have been around since the 1940s. They're used for their resistance to water, oil, and heat, making them ideal for firefighting foams like AFFF. They're called "forever chemicals" because they stick around in the environment and in our bodies, accumulating over time. Imagine if something just wouldn't go away, potentially leading to health risks. Scary, right?
Continue Reading ››
Oregon's Legislative Move Against PFAS in Firefighting Foam What It Means for Health and Safety
Posted on August 18, 2025 in Uncategorized
Oregon has taken a big step forward by approving Senate Bill 91, which bans the use of PFAS in firefighting foams. And that's a big deal. This legislation is crucial for tackling the health and environmental challenges posed by these stubborn chemicals. It's essential for firefighters, community members, and public health advocates to grasp what this law means for health and safety. So what does this mean for you?
What are PFAS and why are they called 'forever chemicals'?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals known for their resistance to water and grease. They're often called 'forever chemicals' because they just don't break down easily in the environment or the human body. (Which, honestly, is pretty alarming.) This resilience has made PFAS common in products like firefighting foam, which is used to quickly put out fuel fires. Imagine if you had a stain that never washed out—kind of like that.
Continue Reading ››
PFAS Foam Lawsuit in South Carolina and What Car Accident Victims Need to Know
Posted on August 15, 2025 in Uncategorized
A large multidistrict litigation (MDL) pending in the District of South Carolina involves roughly 10,000 associated cases—and tens of thousands of plaintiffs—alleging harms from aqueous film‐forming foams (AFFFs) that contained PFOA and PFOS, two common PFAS chemicals. Plaintiffs say firefighting foam exposure contaminated groundwater near military bases, airports, and industrial sites, leading to personal injury, the need for medical monitoring, property damage, and economic losses. This case, centralized before Judge Richard M. Gergel, raises issues that matter to car accident victims, insurers, and affected communities, because AFFFs are commonly used in vehicle fire responses and at airports and fueling stations where motor vehicle crashes can trigger foam deployment.
But how can PFAS from firefighting foam affect car accident victims and communities?
PFAS are a family of persistent chemicals used in AFFFs for decades. PFOA and PFOS are specific PFAS compounds—allegedly washed from AFFF use into groundwater and soil. When an auto crash involves a fuel fire, emergency crews may use AFFF to extinguish burning vehicles or control spilled fuel. Firefighting foam exposure can therefore directly affect car accident victims, first responders, cleanup crews, nearby residents, and local water sources.
Continue Reading ››
When Firefighting Foam at Crash Scenes Becomes a Legal and Insurance Hazard
Posted on August 14, 2025 in Uncategorized
And a July 2024 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report highlights a growing problem: the Department of Defense must transition away from firefighting foam containing PFAS, a class of chemicals with known health risks. This shift—and the practical challenges the DOD faces in replacing and managing legacy stocks—matters to car accident victims, first responders, airport and industrial crews, and community members. Think of it like this: aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) are commonly used at vehicle and aircraft crash scenes. This blog explains how the GAO findings connect to car accident law, car insurance, and the health of people exposed at crash sites or living near contaminated areas.
How does PFAS in firefighting foam affect car accident victims and emergency responders?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—synthetic chemicals that resist heat, water, and oil. They were widely used in AFFF for rapid fuel-fire suppression. And the GAO report notes that the DOD is legally required to move away from PFAS-containing foam, while juggling challenges like testing alternatives and managing existing inventory.
Continue Reading ››
Understanding PFAS Concerns in Firefighting Foam at Airports
Posted on August 13, 2025 in Uncategorized
PFAS in Firefighting Foam: What You Need to Know
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are pretty much becoming a hot topic these days, especially because they're found in firefighting foam used at airports. Understanding the implications of these chemicals is vital for firefighters, community members, and environmental advocates. As of 2025, EPA regulations still require monitoring of PFAS levels in drinking water, highlighting the ongoing concern. And that's concerning.
What Are PFAS and Why Are They Used in Firefighting Foam?
PFAS are synthetic chemicals celebrated for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. They're integral to aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used at airports, enabling rapid suppression of aviation fuel fires, which is crucial for emergency response. Imagine if they weren't there—things could get messy.
Continue Reading ››
Why Your Community Needs to Address PFAS Foam in Waterways
Posted on August 12, 2025 in Uncategorized
Understanding the Impact of PFAS Foam in Waterways
Firefighting foam, especially Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), is pretty much essential when it comes to tackling fires. But here's the catch—it's also become a major source of PFAS contamination in our waterways. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are these synthetic chemicals that, quite worryingly, pose serious risks to both the environment and our health. So, it's crucial for communities to really grasp these effects and take proactive steps to cut down on exposure.
What Are PFAS and Why Are They Used in Firefighting Foams?
PFAS are chemicals known for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. This makes them super effective in firefighting foams like AFFF for putting out flammable liquid fires. Unfortunately, these same properties mean PFAS stick around in the environment, leading to long-term contamination issues (which, honestly, is pretty alarming).
Continue Reading ››
Understanding PFAS The Hidden Dangers in Firefighting Foam and Community Health
Posted on August 11, 2025 in Uncategorized
PFAS in Firefighting Foam and Its Impact on Community Health
PFAS, a group of man-made chemicals, have become a major environmental and health concern. And it's particularly affecting firefighters and nearby communities. Understanding PFAS exposure is crucial, given its widespread use in firefighting foam. This article delves into the effects of PFAS on both firefighters and their communities, providing insights into safety, health implications, and resources for those impacted.
What Are PFAS and Why Are They Used in Firefighting Foam?
PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are chemicals renowned for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. Since the 1950s, they've been integral to various industries, notably in Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) used for firefighting. However, PFAS are environmentally persistent and can accumulate, posing significant health risks over time. (Which, honestly, is pretty alarming.)
Continue Reading ››
Washington's New Law Targets PFAS in Firefighting Foam What It Means for Firefighter Safety and Community Health
Posted on August 10, 2025 in Uncategorized
Understanding Washington's New Law on PFAS in Firefighting Foam
Washington State has really stepped up to tackle the challenges posed by PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in firefighting foam. Enacted back in 2018, the Firefighting Agents and Equipment law aims to address both health and environmental risks these chemicals bring. This article dives into how the law impacts firefighters, our communities, and the ongoing efforts to combat PFAS contamination. And that's quite a task.
Why is Washington's Firefighting Agents and Equipment law important?
Chapter 70A.400 RCW, which we know as the Firefighting Agents and Equipment law, plays a crucial role in cutting down PFAS exposure in Washington. It basically stops the manufacture and sale of class B firefighting foams with intentionally added PFAS, except for military and certain chemical plant uses. Plus, the law bans their use in training and requires federally certificated part 139 airports to switch to PFAS-free agents by September 30, 2025. This legislation really highlights the growing awareness of PFAS-related health risks. (Which, honestly, is pretty alarming.)
Continue Reading ››
