PFAS

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Foam

The historical use of Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF) used from the 1970s at emergency and training sites around the world has resulted in contamination of these sites decades after. From the early 2000s some AFFF users identified, ahead of any published regulatory guidance, the potential adverse environmental impacts of AFFF and initiated research into alternative products. Given the persistent nature of PFAS and their ability to travel through soil and water, many regions in the surrounding areas close to historical training sites where AFFF were once used are now contaminated.

Challenges

As specialists strive to develop safe replacements for AFFF—fluorine-free foams—we continue to grapple with PFAS residuals in firefighting equipment and protection systems, and with the contamination resulting from AFFF training and use during emergencies.

Solutions

AECOM is collectively focused on identifying long-term tailored solutions for our clients, for every project, big or small. Our team has been helping clients around the world tackle this legacy contamination and can assist the industry with the identification, management and, if warranted, remediation of PFAS.

    • Aqueous Film Forming Foam Disposal and Alternatives Analysis

      Across US and Canada

    • Monitoring PFAS contamination at a former fire extinguisher factory

      Germany