A Comprehensive Study of Firefighting Foams: From AFFF Chemistry to Sustainable Fluorine-Free Alternatives

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ABSTRACT — Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) have been the standard for fighting fires involving flammable liquids for over fifty years, demonstrating a high level of effectiveness in combating them. Increased global concern over the environmental and health effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that make up AFFF, have stimulated worldwide development of alternative non-fluorinated, so-called fluorine-free foams (F3). The purpose of this review is to compile the findings of Thirty Four separate studies and report an overall view on the development of firefighting foams. It reviews the chemistry of fluorosurfactants, its persistence in the environment, current performances and toxicity of fluorine-free foams (F3) and the development of alternative biobased or nanoparticle enhanced foams. Based on the study review, F3 formulations are biodegradable and exhibit low persistency over those of AFFF but struggle to perform at the same levels when combating certain types of fires and, in some instances, exhibits similar or greater aquatic toxicity as the contemporary short-chain PFAS-based Foams. Overall, issues with cost, performance and regulation need to be addressed in the use of F3 as an alternative to the existing AFFF's. This review serves as a guide for researchers, regulators and fire safety professionals in facing this critical global transition. Keywords — Firefighting foam, AFFF, PFAS, Fluorine-free foam, Environmental impact, Fluorosurfactants, Biosurfactants, Nanoparticles, Fire suppression.

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