Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is a type of foam used to fight liquid-fueled fires. Fire departments use AFFF to fight liquid-based fires (i.e., those started by oil, gasoline, or other flammable liquids).
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 are linked to negative health impacts in humans, including cancer.
AFFF is the leading cause of PFAS contamination in drinking water.
Fire training (Note: AFFF is banned for fire training as of 2018).
Spills or accidental release.
Once PFAS are released into the environment, they are difficult to clean up because they:
Easily dissolve in water.
PFAS are highly mobile and can quickly contaminate groundwater, drinking water, and other natural areas.
Do not break down naturally.
PFAS build up in the environment over time with no natural way to be removed, which may increase our risk of exposure to PFAS for hundreds or thousands of years.
Why does AFFF contain PFAS?
PFAS are the chemicals that create the “film” in aqueous film-forming foam. They put fires out by cutting off the oxygen between the flammable liquid and air, which is what keeps fires burning once ignited.
PFAS are used because of their ability to:
Resist heat.
Easily dissolve in water.
Spread quickly so they put out fires faster.
What are we doing about AFFF?
In 2018, the Washington State Legislature passed a law that restricts AFFF. In Washington, AFFF is now banned for most purposes. It can no longer be:
Manufactured.
Sold.
Used for fire training.
AFFF is still allowed for emergencies and actual fire situations that require it, until an alternative is found.
Winter or Spring 2024: Finalize the draft EIS and make a decision on a disposal program.
2023
Sept. 2023: Changes in federal rules triggered provisions in state law mandating Washington’s commercial airports purchase approved fluorine-free foams and phase out the sale of AFFF to Washington’s airports by manufacturers.
Fall 2023: Make a draft EIS available for public comment.
2022
We continued technical analysis of disposal options.
We gathered feedback from tribal and community representatives regarding the EIS.
2021
January: After reviewing public comments, we then:
Withdrew the Determination of Non-Significance.
Issued a Determination of Significance and requested scoping comments.
Under federal law, commercial airports in Washington must test their ability to dispense AFFF (which contains PFAS) each year. These tests:
Can disburse thousands of gallons of PFAS on the ground.
If not carefully collected, the PFAS from AFFF can contaminate groundwater and drinking water.
In 2021, our input-based test box program at airports started. It provides airports with funds to purchase equipment that allows them to test their firefighting capabilities without the need to put AFFF on the ground.
