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PFAS: Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF) & Alternatives

April 27, 2021 @ 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

The webinar was presented for informational purposes. The views expressed do not necesssaily reflect those of each of the NEWMOA-member states and and the strategies and technologies discussed should not be considered an endorsement by NEWMOA or its members.

The webinar included the following presentations:

Dr. Raj Singh, Clarkson University [PDF] presented What is Really in Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) & Does it Matter? According to the EPA, currently available industrial formulations of C6 AFFF should be free from long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). However, researchers at Clarkson characterized four different C6 AFFF foams and found they contain noticeable concentrations of long-chain PFAAs and/or precursors that can transform to long-chain PFAAs upon oxidation. The presentation outlined the research project and findings.

Kate Winnebeck, New York Pollution Prevention Institute [PDF] presented PFAS in Firefighting Foam: Summary & Comparison of Performance Specifications, Fluorine Free Foams, & Research Needs. The presentation provided an overview of the PFAS in Firefighting Foam report published in April 2019, including: AFFF performance specifications and how they handle PFAS; the process used to identify fluorine-free foams; how to access the report; and information gaps to characterizing fluorine free foams

Nick Child, Massachusetts DEP [PDF] presented State Efforts to Address PFAS in AFFF used for Firefighting. Massachusetts DEP and Connecticut DEEP have recognized the PFAS issues associated with AFFF. Both states are taking the following actions: 1) conducting a state-funded takeback and disposal program for AFFF; 2) working with fire departments that use AFFF to assess the PFAS issue, and 3) conducting analytical analysis of several currently available fluorine-free foams (F3) alternatives. The presentation outlined these efforts and the findings.

Details

Date:
April 27, 2021
Time:
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Event Category: