PFAS: what firefighters need to know
It’s essential for fire crews to understand the impending PFAS restrictions – not only for health protection, but to support safer management, environmental responsibility and to ensure consistent supplies of life saving resources.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used for their resistance to heat, water and oil – key reasons they have long been used in firefighting foams and protective clothing. However, PFAS are extremely persistent, easily spread through soil and water, and can accumulate in people and wildlife.
Some PFAS have been linked to serious health effects including certain cancers, thyroid disease and high cholesterol. A well‑known example occurred in Jersey, where firefighting foam leaks contaminated local water leaving many residents with elevated PFAS levels. Because of growing evidence of harm, the EU is proposing strict limits on more than 10,000 PFAS substances, with only limited exemptions.
Impact to fire services
In April 2025, EU Member States formally adopted a sector-specific restriction banning PFAS in firefighting foams – the most advanced PFAS restriction so far.
Research conducted by The European Commission and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) showed that about 30,000 tonnes of firefighting foams are produced in the European Union (EU). Despite previous restrictions on certain PFAS in firefighting foams, 18,000 tonnes (60%) of the current formulated tonnage of firefighting foams contain PFAS. The research also showed that fluorine-free firefighting foams are available, technically feasible and have been used successfully in most key sectors.
The current regulatory picture in the UK is fragmented with regulations applying to PFAS expected to increase in the coming years. The UK Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) REACH work programme conducted a six-month public consultation ending in February 2026 to gather stakeholder views on PFAS in firefighting foams. This links to the HSE’s scientific analysis and evidence base for potential restrictions on PFAS use in firefighting foams, which recommended regulations are expedited ahead of other uses of PFAS as they are one of the largest sources of direct PFAS release into the environment.
Personal protective clothing used in several industries also contains PFAS due to their superior resistance to oil, water and stains. Found in outer layers, middle barriers and thermal liners, the amount and type of PFAS varies from one manufacturer to the next, however it is important to note that no direct link has been established between PFAS-containing clothing causing impacts to health.
Future considerations
For protective clothing, which must meet certain standards, including minimum requirements for water repellence, there is no clear frontrunner to replace PFAS. However, researchers and manufacturers are exploring alternative materials that offer the same level of protection, durability and resistance to water and contaminants, without the potential associated health risks. This pursuit may lead to a greater emphasis on sustainability and health safety in the creation of protective clothing, incorporating biodegradable, non-toxic and recyclable materials that meet stringent performance standards.
The Fire Industry Association (FIA) recommend that organisations start to plan for a move to fluorine-free firefighting agents, particularly where restriction extensions are short. It should be noted that there is no legal requirement in force as of February 2026 in the UK but with the EU restriction published, the EU timelines are now clear and, once all the transitional measures have expired, will be fully effective from October 2035.
The shift to fluorine-free systems is not as simple as swapping one foam for another. Fluorine free foam (F3) has different viscosity and performance characteristics, meaning some systems will require significant modification. Since July 2025, C8 PFAS foam cannot be used with all sales expected to be prohibited from 2030. Restrictions to C6 foam are also anticipated.
Fire services should map their risk, by keeping a record of which PFAS are used in their supply chains. This can prove challenging as the class of chemicals is large with varied naming conventions, but the exercise will enable planning for future regulatory change and reduce the risk of inadvertent compliance breaches. Supply chain disruption can also then be anticipated for procurement purposes and mitigated in advance.
Protect crews, safeguard operations and stay ahead of regulations
Ricardo’s chemical experts can support your transition away from PFAS-containing foams and equipment safely, efficiently and with full regulatory confidence.
Speak to our team to:
- Assess your PFAS exposure risk across foams, PPE and supply chains to identify where PFAS are currently used.
- Plan and manage the transition to fluorine‑free firefighting foams (F3), including system‑compatibility reviews, operational testing and modification requirements.
- Ensure regulatory compliance, including upcoming EU restrictions, evolving UK rules, and future transitional deadlines through tailored compliance strategies.
- Provide targeted PFAS training for fire crews – covering health risks, safe handling, spill response, storage, and best practice in foam use and disposal.
- Support procurement and supply‑chain resilience, helping you identify reliable non‑PFAS alternatives and avoid unplanned equipment or foam shortages.
Take proactive steps now to protect your teams, your community and your operational continuity – contact Ricardo’s chemical specialists to begin your PFAS readiness plan.
References
- Reconciling Terminology of the Universe of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, OECD
- Registry of restriction intentions until outcome, ECHA
- ECHA publishes PFAS restriction proposal
- FIA-Guidance-PFAS-Update-December-2025.pdf
- Public consultation opens on restricting PFAS in firefighting foams, HSE Media Centre
- Jersey 'forever chemicals' contaminated private water supply, BBC News
- Environmental focus – PFAS, Fire Protection Association
- EU says ‘forever chemicals’ ban could save €110bn by 2050
