PFOA is part of a group of chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are sometimes called "forever chemicals"—and for good reason. They don’t break down in the environment, meaning they hang around for decades, if not longer. On top of that, they’re toxic, and over time they accumulate in living organisms, including humans.
Long-term exposure can lead to serious health risks, and environmental damage that's tough to reverse. That’s why the push is on to remove these substances from firefighting foam wherever possible.
t’s a fair question - and one you’ll need a clear answer to before the July deadline. The good news is that many foam extinguishers made since 2016 are likely to be PFOA-free, but that doesn’t mean you can assume they’re compliant.
To be sure, you need evidence. Here’s how you can check:
- Look at the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) – This should tell you if PFOA or related chemicals are present.
- Speak to the manufacturer or supplier – They’ll be able to confirm what’s in the foam.
- Send a sample off for lab testing – If you’re unsure, an accredited lab can analyse the contents. This may only be practicable if you have a large number of extinguishers onsite and replacement would be expensive.
If you can’t prove that your extinguishers meet the new standards, or if they’re confirmed to contain PFOA, you’ll need to take them out of service.
If you’ve got extinguishers that don’t comply with the new rules, they must be disposed of properly—not just tossed in the skip or poured away. You’ll need to use a licensed hazardous waste disposal company to handle them safely and responsibly.
After that, you’ll need to replace them with safer, environmentally friendly alternatives. A few options include:
- Fluorine-Free Foam (F3) – A great like-for-like replacement in many settings.
- Dry Powder – Ideal for a range of fire types and environments.
- CO₂ Extinguishers – Especially good for electrical fires or areas where clean-up needs to be minimal.
Don’t leave this to the last minute. Start by taking stock of your foam extinguishers. Make a list of what you’ve got, when it was manufactured, and who supplied it. Then begin checking whether each one is compliant.
If you're managing multiple sites or supporting clients, it’s even more important to get ahead of this change. Nobody wants to be caught out in July with a load of non-compliant extinguishers and no disposal plan in place.
The upcoming ban on PFOA in AFFF extinguishers is a regulatory shift that demands practical action. If you're responsible for fire safety equipment, now’s the time to:
- Review your current foam extinguishers
- Confirm whether they contain PFOA using documentation, supplier confirmation, or lab analysis
- Safely dispose of any non-compliant units through an accredited waste contractor
- Source and install compliant alternatives, such as fluorine-free foam, dry powder, or CO₂ extinguishers
Staying ahead of the deadline means avoiding last-minute costs, ensuring legal compliance, and continuing to provide effective fire protection without delay. Take stock now, plan your transition, and make sure your equipment is ready for 4 July 2025.
