The Department of Defense (DoD) is managing releases of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from a firefighting agent, aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), used to extinguish fires resulting from military testing and training operations at installations. As part of this effort, SERDP and ESTCP are developing and demonstrating PFAS-free firefighting formulations to replace the use of AFFF. SERDP and ESTCP projects assessed the performance of commercially-available fluorine free foams (F3s), which provided criteria that shaped the updated MILSPEC (MIL-PRF-32725) to assess performance and qualify F3s for use.
While the timeline to develop, demonstrate and procure new products would typically take decades, SERDP and ESTCP successfully developed and demonstrated several F3s now qualified for military use in the span of a few years. The programs continue to fund F3 improvements that help protect Warfighters, weapon systems, and facilities from the risk of fire in the most extreme environments.
By studying and understanding the interactions of alternative PFAS-free firefighting formulations with the environment, SERDP and ESTCP aim to minimize the risk to the environment during training exercises or in emergency situations. Learn More...
Newly developed and tested PFAS-free formulations are providing a better mechanistic understanding of extinguishment and reignition, as well as burnback performance.
Commercial PFAS-free alternatives are being demonstrated on pilot-scale and large-scenario-scale pool fires. These tests inform MILSPEC development and also provide guidance to future firefighting training.
SERDP and ESTCP are exploring technologies for refurbishment and cleanup of ARFF vehicles and installation firefighting systems used with legacy AFFF as a means of reducing PFAS emissions as we move to alternative technologies.
