What is AFFF foam concentrate?
Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is a
Fomtec AFFF 3% is an aqueous film forming foam concentrate (AFFF) consisting of a blend of fluorocarbon-, hydrocarbon surfactants and various solvents and stabilisers.
AR-AFFF 3%-6% type of concentrate is designed to be used at the 3% application rate when used on a standard hydrocarbon fuel fire and 6% when used on a polar solvent/alcohol fuel.
AFFF is highly concerning because it contains PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). PFAS are toxic chemicals known to negatively impact human health and do not easily break down in the environment, waterways, wildlife, or human bodies. PFAS is linked to negative health impacts in humans, including cancer.
AFFF, used primarily by the military but also by civilian firefighters, has polluted drinking water across the country and raised concerns about potential harm to health, including an elevated risk of cancer. Twenty-four states have banned training with AFFF or otherwise restrict its use.
Fomtec AFFF 6% is an aqueous film forming foam concentrate (AFFF) consisting of a blend of fluorocarbon-, hydrocarbon surfactants and various solvents and stabilisers.
Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is a fire suppressant used to extinguish flammable liquid fires such as fuel fires. AFFF is often used in shipboard and shore facility fire suppression systems, fire fighting vehicles, and at fire training facilities.
- Fluorine-Free Fire Fighting Foam. Fluorine-free foam is a synthetic-based foam that contains surfactant blends and polysaccharides. ...
- Dry Chemical Agents. A dry chemical fire suppression system uses a pressurized dry chemical powder to extinguish fires. ...
- C6 Firefighting Foam Concentrates.
It has a maximum shelf life of 15 years when stored in its original container. Storage temperature should be below 49°C.
Description. Fomtec AFFF 1% A should be used at 1% proportioning (1 part concentrate and 99 parts of water). May be used with all water types. Fomtec AFFF 1% A can be stored as premix when blended with fresh water.
Why is AFFF banned?
Under the law, Class B firefighting foam (otherwise known as AFFF) and PFAS-containing PPE are banned for most purposes. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of organic chemicals that pose significant environmental and health hazards.
Certain foam concentrates used to extinguish fires – especially AFFF – contain fluorosurfactants or PFAS. PFAS are harmful to the environment and health. That is why some are already banned in the EU and worldwide.
The military uses AFFF at our installations only for fuel fires, because it is the only current product that can quickly extinguish these types of fires and keep them out to protect the lives of our Service men and women, our firefighting personnel, and others being rescued in emergencies.
Other states with PFAS-containing AFFF bans that have passed state legislative steps include Arkansas, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), a type of firefighting foam which contains chemicals linked to cancer, has been banned in Illinois and Connecticut. The PFAS Reduction Act was passed unanimously by Illinois' legislature on August 6, 2021, and Connecticut's Public Act 21-191 takes effect on October 1, 2021.
The main disadvantage with this extinguisher type is that it is dangerous if used on flammable gas fires or on cooking fires and causes damages to electrical appliances.
Fire Fighting Foams usually have a very long shelf life, provided they are kept within the manufacturers guidelines and temperature limits and are stored in the original and unopened shipping containers. For example, a shelf life of 10–20 years can be expected for AFFF-LF and AFFF concentrates, if stored correctly.
AFFF Foam 6% at Rs 65/piece | Aqueous Film Forming Foam in Surat | ID: 24645555388.
Class B (and class A/B) AFFF and AR-AFFF foams are all currently manufactured with intentionally added PFAS. Some new foams are being sold as "fluorine-free" foam, which do not contain intentionally added PFAS and may work effectively on most types of flammable liquid fires.
Alcohol resistant (AR) foams work on both polar (alcohol) and non-polar (hydrocarbon) solvents whereas non-AR foams, such as standard Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) or protein-based foam, only work on non-polar solvents. Foam blankets are mostly water.
What color is AFFF foam?
The color of AFFF can vary based on the manufacturer and type of AFFF. However, the color typically is pale yellow, light amber and include a reddish color.
Well, fluorine-free foam requires more volume and special equipment to make it effective, but doesn't pose any risk to the environment. On the other hand, AFFF is an incredibly effective extinguishing agent, but poses extreme risks to the environment and those who live within it.
AR-AFFF is proven to be effective and handle most flammable liquid incidents a department can face, while fluorine-free foam is relatively new and untested on large-scale incidents.
AFFF concentrates are commercially available in both 3% and 6%. Figure 3-3 illustrates the typical composition of a 3% AFFF concentrate; water/diluent makes up more than 60% of the concentrate, up to 20% is solvents, and as much as 18% is surfactants, of which less than 2% is fluorosurfactants.
Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF, or alcohol resistant AR-AFFF) is a highly effective foam used for fighting high-hazard flammable liquid fires.
AFFF Foam Concentrate at Rs 60/litre | Firefighting Foam in Raipur | ID: 19547881112.
Firechem Aqueous Film Forming Foam AFFF 3 at Rs 50/litre in Faridabad | ID: 9436492862.
Protein foam (PF)—A foam concentrate that has a hydrolyzed protein base with stabilizing additives suitable for Class A and B fires. Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF)—A foam concentrate that has a fluorinated surfactant with stabilizing additive and synthetic surfactants foaming agents for Class A and B fires.
There are many different types of foam for firefighting: Class A foam is used for combustibles, structural fires and wildfires; Class B foam is used for ignitable liquids, like gasoline and diesel; and polar solvent foams help extinguish alcohol-based liquids and alcohol-type fuels.
The types of foam used by our customers can be basically broken into two categories, Class A and Class B. These are the same classes as used in identifying fire extinguishers. Class A foam is used on common combustibles such as paper, wood, and textiles. Class B foam is used on flammable liquids.
How long does it take for AFFF to discharge?
Discharge time: > 6 seconds.
AFFF Containment & Disposal During Training
These foams are biodegradable, have minimal environmental impact, and can be safely treated at your local wastewater treatment plant.
Two of the compounds in AFFF are perfluorooctane acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). Both are known carcinogens. They are part of the chemical group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). As human-made compounds, they do not occur in the natural environment.
Firefighting Foam Contains Toxic Forever Chemicals
Firefighting foam contains dangerous chemicals called "forever chemicals." These toxins can seep into the soil and water, causing long-term damage. Exposure to these pollutants has been linked to a range of illnesses and ailments, such as cancer.
If you are a firefighter who was exposed to AFFF while serving in the military and developed a related disease, you can apply for disability compensation from the VA with the help of a specialized attorney, as the process is quite complex and challenging to pursue on your own.
The VA offers a toxic chemical risk assessment and is developing a registry for members exposed to PFAS. You can file a disability claim through the VA for any conditions you believe are the result of exposure to PFAS.
Since 01 January 2023 fire-fighting foam containing PFOAs have been prohibited if the foam cannot be contained or collected after a fire has been extinguished. From July 2025, there will be a total ban on the use of fire-fighting foam containing PFOA.
In the 1970's the Department of Defense began using AFFF to fight fuel fires at all military installations. By the late 1970's, the Navy- developed AFFF fire suppressant was not only in heavy use by the military, but was also used at more than 90 airports in the U.S. as well as in many civilian fire departments.
Since its creation, firefighting foam has changed from its original formula, but its main job has remained the same. Today, it is still used to knock down and secure burning and unignited flammable liquids. Class A foams are also used on ordinary combustibles to help water become more effective in fire extinguishment.
Firefighting Foam Exposure Symptoms
Some of the conditions associated with AFFF exposure include: fertility issues, pregnancy-induced hypertension/pre-eclampsia, kidney cancer and testicular cancer.
What precautions should be taken when using AFFF?
Personal Precautions: Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Do not breathe mist, aerosols. Remove patient from hazard area, keep patient calm & warm. Provide fresh air.
Properly proportioned foam has the ability to absorb heat much quicker than water alone. Foam penetrates fire by pulling carbon particles out of the atmosphere and knocks down fires in a shorter amount of time.
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Description.
| TYPICAL FOAM CHARACTERISTICS** (Fresh and Sea Water) | |
|---|---|
| Proportioning Rate | 3% |
| Expansion Ratio LE | ≥ 7 |
| 25% Drain Time (min:sec) | ≥ 2:30 |
| 50% Drain Time (min:sec) | ≥ 4:30 |
Firechem Aqueous Film Forming Foam AFFF 3 at Rs 50/litre in Faridabad | ID: 9436492862.
AFFF is used in the U.S. military, and in most civilian applications worldwide, as either a 3% or a 6% concentrate. The numbers refer to the percentage of the foam concentrate mixed with either fresh or sea water by a proportioning nozzle.
AFFF Foam 6% at Rs 65/piece | Aqueous Film Forming Foam in Surat | ID: 24645555388.
Fire Fighting Foams usually have a very long shelf life, provided they are kept within the manufacturers guidelines and temperature limits and are stored in the original and unopened shipping containers. For example, a shelf life of 10–20 years can be expected for AFFF-LF and AFFF concentrates, if stored correctly.
Description. Fomtec AFFF 1% A should be used at 1% proportioning (1 part concentrate and 99 parts of water). May be used with all water types. Fomtec AFFF 1% A can be stored as premix when blended with fresh water.
This synthetic foam concentrate is intended for firefighting applications at 1% solution in fresh, salt, or hard water. CHEMGUARD C1B foam solution utilizes three suppression mechanisms for rapid fire knockdown and superior burnback resistance: The foam blanket blocks oxygen supply to the fuel.
Aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) are water-based and frequently contain hydrocarbon-based surfactants such as sodium alkyl sulfate, and fluorosurfactants, such as fluorotelomers, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), or perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS).
How do you calculate foam concentration?
The formula for calculating the needed foam concentrate at a flammable liquid release is as follows: Area X Critical Application Rate (CAR) X Eduction Rate (ER) X 15 = Foam Concentrate Needed.