PFAS are a group of several thousand synthetically produced industrial chemicals, which are used in many products due to their water-, grease and dirt-repellent properties. Because of their extremely stable chemical compounds, they are also called "eternity chemicals", since they are practically not degraded in the environment.

 

In fire protection, they are the main component of AFFF oil-forming foams (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam). These foams are extremely effective in fighting fires of fire class B, especially in the case of fires of liquid substances such as gasoline, kerosene or oil. The fluorine susagant film contained in AFFF settles on the burning liquid, cools and suffocates the fire very quickly.

The main problem is the extreme persistence and mobility of PFAS. If they get into the environment through an extinguishing operation or a leak, they pollute soils, waters and groundwater for decades. They accumulate in the food chain and in the human body and are suspected of being harmful to health (e.g. carcinogenic, harmful to reproduction).

 

Due to these risks, the European Union (EU) has introduced far-reaching restrictions and prohibitions for the entire PFAS group through the REACH regulation, which also affect the fire protection sector.

To the current date (1. August 2025), the legal situation regarding per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) is characterized by a dynamic development at EU level and already existing, specific bans. Below you will find a summary of the most important regulations and deadlines.

 

1. The comprehensive EU-wide PFAS restriction procedure (REACH)

 

The most far-reaching project is the proposal to comprehensively restrict the production, use and placing on the market of around 10,000 PFAS substances within the framework of the EU Chemicals Regulation REACH.

 

Current status: The restriction proposal was submitted to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) at the beginning of 2023 by Germany and four other countries. The scientific evaluation by the relevant ECHA committees is currently underway.

 

Expected decision: A final decision by the European Commission on the proposal is expected in 2025.

 

Entry into force: Due to the complex nature of the procedure, the comprehensive restrictions are expected to come into force in 2026 at the earliest. After that, staggered transition periods (typically 18 months for most applications up to 12 years for very specific, hard-to-replace uses) will apply.

 

This process aims to drastically reduce the release of the "eternity chemicals" into the environment. It will be one of the most extensive bans on chemical substances since the REACH regulation has been in place.

 

2. Already applicable, specific prohibitions and deadlines

 

Regardless of the comprehensive restriction procedure, there are already binding deadlines and prohibitions for individual PFAS subgroups and specific applications. The area of fire extinguishing foams is particularly relevant here.

 

Fire extinguishing foams:

 

Here the deadlines are particularly concrete and timely. The regulations concern various PFAS substances:

 

PFOA (perfluorooctanic acid) and related substances:

 

The use of PFOA-containing fire extinguishing foams has been established since the 1st January 2023 severely restricted.

 

A final deadline for the use of inventories in fixed-site facilities expires on the 4th. July 2025, provided that the extinguishing water can be completely collected and disposed of.

 

PFHxA (perfluorohexane acid) and related substances:

 

According to the new Regulation (EU) 2024/2462, from the 10. April 2026 a ban on the use of PFHxA-containing foams for exercises and by public fire brigades.

 

For other areas such as civil aviation, longer transition periods apply (until 2029).

 

PFHxS (perfluorohexanesulfonic acid):

 

The use of this substance in fire extinguishing foams has been possible since the 28th. August 2023 prohibited.

 

For operators of extinguishing systems and fire brigades, this means that a changeover to fluorine-free alternatives is urgently required.

 

3. Other specific regulations

 

Drinking water: The German Drinking Water Ordinance has already established limit values for certain PFAS groups, which come into force in staggered manners:

 

From 12. January 2026: Limit value for the sum of 20 defined PFAS (100 ng/l).

 

From 12. January 2028: A stricter limit value for a subset of four PFAS classified as particularly critical (20 ng/l).

 

Consumer products (clothing, food packaging):

 

The already mentioned Regulation (EU) 2024/2462 prohibits the use of PFHxA and related substances also in certain everyday products. From the 10th October 2026, this group of substances may no longer be placed on the market for the general public in textiles, shoes and food contact materials made of paper and cardboard, among other things.

 

In summary, it can be said that while the large, comprehensive PFAS ban is still on the way, concrete and imminent deadlines, especially in the area of fire protection and for certain consumer goods, are already forcing action. Companies and operators are urgently urged to review their products and processes and to switch to PFAS-free alternatives.

Yes! In recent years, the industry has developed powerful fluorine-free foaming agents. These are often referred to as F3 foams (Fluorine-Free Foam). Modern fluorine-free products achieve a comparable or even better extinguishing performance than the old AFFF foams in many applications.

 

The advantages of F3 foams are:

 

Environmental compatibility: They are biodegradable and do not contain persistent chemicals.

 

High performance: They are suitable for fires of fire classes A (solids) and B (liquids).

 

Future-proofing: You are not affected by the upcoming PFAS bans.

Operators must act now. The changeover is a multi-stage process:

 

Inventory: Identify all extinguishers and equipment that contain PFAS-containing foams (AFFF).

 

Planning the conversion: Contact a qualified fire protection specialist. This can assess whether your existing system technology (tanks, pumps, mixers) is suitable for fluorine-free foams or whether components need to be replaced.

 

Professional disposal: The old foam concentrate is hazardous waste. It must be vacuumed by a certified waste disposal company and burned at very high temperatures. The system must then be thoroughly flushed to avoid residual contamination.

 

Refill: Fill the system with an approved, fluorine-free foaming agent.

 

Documentation: The entire conversion must be documented without gaps.

 

Act proactively! Do not wait until the deadlines expire, as the capacities of specialist and waste disposal companies are expected to become tight.