Our firefighting foam

In 2003 we stopped purchasing fluorinated firefighting foams and exchanged remaining stocks of identified fluorinated firefighting foams with non-fluorinated firefighting foams. Since then, purchases of all firefighting foam (including extinguishers) have been of non-fluorinated based products (that is, products that don’t contain PFAS). Following the initial exchange of stock, we have conducted several audits to locate and remove any remaining fluorinated or unidentifiable foam stocks, which may have contained PFAS.

PFAS human health testing

Since July 2017, we have provided free voluntary counselling and PFAS blood testing for current and former members of its paid and voluntary workforce. The program includes consultation with an independent health practitioner and, if desired, associated blood screening. While the screening does not provide definitive guidance about an individual’s health, it provides a baseline for future reference as further research is conducted on the health and environmental impacts of PFAS.

In-ground water tank investigation

Historically, we infrequently used very small volumes of PFAS containing firefighting foams for class B fires and training.  In 2003, we ceased purchasing PFAS containing firefighting foams, removed all known stocks from service and replaced them with non PFAS containing firefighting foams. 

In 2016, our Research and Scientific Branch undertook investigations across Queensland at fire and rescue sites that contained in-ground training water tanks (Case 4 pits).

In 2019, Research and Scientific Branch completed the testing regime to develop an environmental snapshot about the concentration and distribution of PFAS compounds within water from in-ground water tanks used for fire fighter training at the thirty-two identified fire stations and the Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy (QCESA).  The results identified that the water in a number of these in-ground training tanks had minor levels of PFAS contamination that exceeded established health based drinking water criteria.

To meet community expectations and to prioritise the health and safety of its staff, all in-ground water tanks were decommissioned, and waters disposed of in accordance with Department of Environment, Science and Innovation regulations. 

In-ground water tank report - Actions Completed

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (now Queensland Fire Department) determined that in line with firefighter and community safety and irrespective of any PFAS contamination present, all in-ground water tanks would be decommissioned following a two phase remediation plan:

  1. All water contained in the in-ground water tanks was removed and disposed of using a regulated waste contractor. 
  2. All emptied in-ground tank were decommissioned by filling with an inert material and capped to prevent any further or future use. 

Shortly after, we completed the above two steps and decommissioned all Fire and Rescue station in-ground training tanks.

PFAS environmental investigations

Based on a risk assessment from these investigations, we have undertaken further on-site and off-site investigations at the following six Fire and Rescue Stations – Ayr, Home Hill, Airlie Beach, Proserpine, Gladstone and Toowoomba (Anzac Ave). 

In line with requirements under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, these investigations have been undertaken by a suitably qualified environmental consultant and audited by an independent contaminated land auditor. The investigations have proceeded from a preliminary site investigation (PSI) to detailed on-site investigations (DSI) at each site. 

Download the reports

Preliminary site investigation

Ayr reports

Home Hill reports

Airlie Beach reports

Proserpine reports

Gladstone reports

Toowoomba reports

Based on the DSI results, we are undertaking further off-site investigations at the above six sites.

What is Aqueous film forming foam?

AFFF is a foam concentrate product which, when sprayed on a flammable liquid fire, forms a thin aqueous film at the fuel/air interface suppressing the combustion reaction. It may contain fluorinated or non-fluorinated surfactants. Some fluorinated surfactants are straight chain and some a mixture of straight and branched chains.

AFFF foams are generally intended to extinguish flammable and combustible liquids. These foam concentrates are mostly water and include a mixture of components including: solvents, biocides, corrosion inhibitors and foaming agents. Historically, many of these foams included fluorinated surfactants.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluoroctane sulfonate (PFOS) are fluorinated surfactants. PFOA and PFOS are part of a broader group of chemicals called per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Typically, these foams contained 0.5% to 1.5% PFOS and trace quantities of PFOA. Another common component is perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS). Some fluorinated foams have components called fluorotelomers that transform into PFOA.

PFAS have many applications, from non-scratch cookware and hydraulic fluids to surface coatings (including within concrete) and water repellent coatings in clothing.

Where are they found?

In Queensland, AFFF foams are found at mine sites, ships, airports, defence facilities and facilities that use or store large volumes of flammable and combustible liquids such as refineries.

Prior to 2003, we purchased AFFF foams along with other types of foam such as protein-based foams. Since that time, we have not purchased AFFF.

However, this does not mean we have not applied legacy stocks, or stocks directly supplied by a site during a fire, or at a significant spillage of a flammable/combustible liquid. They may have also been used during training or during vehicle maintenance. They may have been used during foam application demonstrations, such as a firefighting demonstration of a tugboat. Historically, emergency use has been infrequent and involved low volumes.

Environmental and health concerns

AFFF foams are not classified as dangerous goods.

PFOS is classified as a persistent organic pollutant, whilst PFOA is not currently classified as a persistent organic pollutant. Health authorities consider PFHxS similar to PFOS and so add these two PFAS chemicals together when assessing risks. PFOA is also classified as a Class 2B carcinogen, and that means it is possibly carcinogenic based on limited evidence. There are two key concerns with these AFFF foams: environmental impacts and health impacts.

These two materials are environmentally persistent. It takes about 42 years to get rid of 50% of PFOS, and 91 years to get rid of 50% of PFOA from the environment. They readily bio-accumulate in the food chain.

The body cannot easily get rid of these chemicals, and it takes between 4-8 years to remove half of any PFOS/PFOA in our system. There is some evidence reported that animals exhibit changes in the liver, thyroid, pancreas and hormones. Some studies on rats have indicated some potential to promote cancer; however it is not clear if these results have human health implications. There is much uncertainty about human health impacts and it is not clear they cause adverse health impacts. However, on current evidence, the potential for adverse health outcomes cannot be excluded.

Exposures and managing exposures

The primary exposure to PFAS (including PFOS and PFOA), is via ingestion (food and water) through the food chain. Other exposures may include dust containing PFAS and contact with our clothing. As a result, all humans will have small amounts of PFOS/PFOA in their body.

When considering occupational exposures, the following is assessed:

  • source/s of exposure - such as the material, its concentration and its form
  • the pathway - how is exposure occurring?
  • duration of that exposure
  • the body - such as how does it get in, leave and what will it do inside.

Typically, for a firefighter the main entry route is usually the respiratory system, especially at incidents. Historically, firefighters have handled containers of concentrated foams at stations or on an appliance, and may have had contact with finishing foam during this application. For example: cleaning, checking or servicing vehicles. Whilst the respiratory pathway cannot be ignored, skin seems a likely pathway to consider. Exposure times may vary according to the activities.

It is important to minimise any opportunities for exposure, and adopt suitable measures to prevent contact and protect your respiratory system and skin. After a fire, always shower at the station upon your return.

Helpful Resources

Helpful resources

Last updated 21 August 2024