Sunrise of PFAS Replacements: A Perspective on Fluorine-Free Foams

Onetype of firefighting foam, referred to as aqueous film-formingfoams (AFFF), is known to contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFAS). The concerns raised with PFAS, and their potential environmentaland health impacts, have led to a surge in research on fluorine-freealternatives both in the United States and globally. Particularly,in January 2023, a new military specification (MIL-PRF-32725) forfluorine-free foam was released in accordance with Congressional requirementsfor the U.S. Department of Defense. This paper provides a criticalanalysis of the present state of the various fluorine-free optionsthat have been developed to date. A nuanced perspective of the challengesand opportunities of more sustainable replacements is explored byexamining the performance, cost, and regulatory considerations associatedwith these fluorine-free alternatives. Ultimately, this evaluationshows that the transition to fluorine-free replacements is likelyto be complex and multifaceted, requiring careful consideration ofthe trade-offs involved. Yet, the ongoing work will provide valuableinsights for future research on alternatives to AFFF and enhancingthe safety and sustainability of fire suppression systems. Considerations in replacing PFAS in AFFFand the multifacetedprocess with inputs from various scientific disciplines are outlined.