Remediating and reducing the environmental impact of fire suppression systems contaminated with per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances: Perspectives on current guidelines.
By Matthew L. Magnuson, Trevor Sleight, and Willie F. Harper Jr.
Fire Safety Journal
April 27, 2026
DOI: 10.1016/j.firesaf.2026.104811
Tens of thousands of foam-based fire suppression systems, such as firetrucks and hangars, might be contaminated by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Governmental policies surround the use of these substances in firefighting foams. This document provides overall technical framework “guidelines” toward remediation of fire suppression systems containing certain PFAS. These PFAS originated from the use of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF), which are being replaced with fluorine free foam (F3) alternatives. PFAS remediation from AFFF-contaminated surfaces is a complex and multi-disciplinary technical topic, and this framework is intended to help the reader navigate the many, intertwined details. As practical application of these details can vary greatly from system to system, this document provides discussion of implications of PFAS persistence and a comprehensive range of considerations regarding remediation of fire suppression systems contaminated with PFAS. This document will not--and no document will ever--solve all problems related to PFAS remediation for fire suppression systems, but it can help enable the many thousands of owners of such systems to take substantial steps toward the goal of reducing PFAS contamination in fire suppression systems. This document discusses topics and questions that practitioners frequently have when addressing their specific fire suppression systems.
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