PFOA – International Fire & Safety Journal

UK enforces PFOA deadline for fire safety products

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has confirmed that the transition period for removing firefighting foams containing perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) ended on 4 July 2025.

According to the FIA, fixed systems and portable extinguishers containing PFOA-based foam must now be fully decommissioned and replaced.

The PFOA ban does not apply to all fluorinated foams. Products based on fluorotelomer chemistry, which have been standard since 2010, remain permitted.

The FIA said that refilling older equipment with fluorotelomer foam is not compliant if the equipment previously contained PFOA. Trace levels may still exceed legal thresholds.

Any foam product supplied within the past 10 years is not affected by this restriction, the FIA added.

Current legal framework for PFOA and related substances

The FIA guidance explains that PFOA joins PFOS and PFHxS as restricted substances under UK REACH and POPS regulations.

These substances are no longer allowed in concentrations above set thresholds for firefighting applications.

As the guidance states, AFFF formulations containing PFOA were mostly discontinued before 2010, replaced by alternatives using fluorotelomer surfactants.

However, any equipment that previously contained PFOS, PFOA, or PFHxS and was refilled rather than replaced is still non-compliant.

The FIA reiterated that this restriction applies regardless of whether the foam inside has been changed, as system residue may exceed permitted concentrations.

UK regulatory developments and future restrictions

The FIA confirmed that the UK Government is currently consulting on broader restrictions covering per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched an industry consultation in 2024.

A public consultation is expected to follow in 2025.

According to the FIA, any UK-wide ban on PFAS in firefighting foams is unlikely to be implemented before 2026.

The FIA noted that if aligned with draft EU proposals, transition periods of 5 to 10 years could apply depending on the application.

EU legislation and its influence on UK planning

The FIA highlighted two separate REACH restrictions being pursued by the European Union that would affect PFAS use in firefighting foams.

One, published in September 2024 as Regulation (EU) 2024/2462, bans PFHxA in textiles and selected firefighting applications from 2026.

This restriction does not affect the UK directly, although it may influence DEFRA and HSE policy.

A second EU restriction specific to firefighting foam remains pending.

The FIA said that although these do not apply to UK law, they may affect UK manufacturers exporting to Europe.

UK end users and suppliers are advised to monitor developments.

Impact on fire safety products and market preparedness

The FIA warned that any future ban on PFAS could affect a wide range of water-based extinguishing agents including AFFF, wet chemical, and some additive foams.

Such a ban would lead to increased demand for compliant alternatives and disposal services for existing equipment.

The FIA said supply-side challenges should be expected as manufacturers transition away from fluorinated products.

End users and suppliers are advised to begin preparing now for longer-term regulatory shifts.

The FIA concluded that while there is no immediate legal requirement to use fluorine-free agents, early planning is recommended.

UK firefighting foam ban deadline reached for PFOA-based agents: Summary

The Fire Industry Association has confirmed that the PFOA transition deadline ended on 4 July 2025.

All fixed and portable firefighting foam systems containing PFOA must now be removed from use.

PFOA is banned under UK REACH and POPS chemical regulations.

Foams containing PFOA have not been supplied since before 2010.

Fluorotelomer-based foams remain compliant and are not affected by the ban.

Refilling old systems with compliant foam does not meet legal requirements.

UK consultations on wider PFAS restrictions are ongoing.

A public consultation is expected in 2025.

Future bans may affect AFFF, wet chemical, and other foams.

The FIA advises suppliers and users to begin transitioning early.

Government confirms 2025 ban on PFOA and PFOS in firefighting foams

OHEAP has welcomed the UK government’s decision to implement a complete ban on Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) in firefighting foams, which will take effect from 4 July 2025.

According to OHEAP, Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) was banned in foam extinguishers more than ten years ago, and the use of PFOA has been largely phased out.

The upcoming ban aligns with international efforts to remove persistent organic pollutants that pose environmental and health risks.

OHEAP has raised concerns about industry misconceptions regarding the ban, noting that some organisations have begun removing existing fluorine-based extinguishers unnecessarily.

The company advises that while PFOA will be prohibited, there are currently no legal restrictions on C6 fluorotelomer-based extinguishers.

Industry impact and transition to fluorine-free alternatives

The ban is expected to shape future fire safety practices, requiring businesses to adopt fluorine-free alternatives.

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has recommended that organisations start considering a transition to these alternatives to reduce environmental impact.

Under the new regulations, any product containing PFOS, PFOA, or PFHxS above the prescribed limits will be prohibited.

However, there is no immediate requirement to remove existing fluorinated extinguishers that do not contain these banned substances.

Nicholas Heap, Managing Director of OHEAP Fire and Security, said: “We want to make sure every person responsible for fire safety understands what is banned and when.

“There are so many mistruths out there, that people are making decisions about fire safety that they may not need to.

“The truth is that the ban in July 2025 will not affect many units at all as the chemical that is being banned hasn’t been used for more than 10 years.

“But the ban is still an important step into creating a greener, safer, more sustainable environment.”

Future regulations on PFAS in fire extinguishers

The UK government is reviewing further legislation to restrict the use of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams.

A full ban on PFAS-containing extinguishers is not expected before 2026, with a phase-out period extending towards 2030.

OHEAP has advised that while the PFOA ban is imminent, organisations should remain aware of potential future restrictions.

The FIA continues to provide updates on the regulatory landscape and recommendations for businesses preparing for a transition.

Heap added: “At OHEAP, we fully support this initiative and are committed to helping our clients navigate this transition smoothly.

“As an industry, we must prioritise environmental responsibility without compromising safety standards, and whilst a ban on PFAS is still a way off yet, our team is actively implementing fluorine-free firefighting solutions across our services.”

Consultation underway on broader PFAS restrictions

A UK government consultation is ongoing to assess the impact of banning PFAS in firefighting applications.

Any resulting legal restrictions are not expected before 2026.

OHEAP advised fire safety professionals to stay informed and monitor official guidance from regulatory bodies.

More information on the use of PFAS in firefighting can be found on the FIA website.

UK firefighting foam regulations: PFOA and PFOS ban set for 2025 – Summary

OHEAP has welcomed the UK government’s decision to ban Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) in firefighting foams from 4 July 2025.

PFOS was already prohibited in foam extinguishers more than a decade ago.

The new restrictions align with global efforts to eliminate harmful pollutants.

OHEAP has warned against industry misinterpretations, stating that there is no immediate need to remove fluorine-based fire extinguishers unless they contain the banned substances.

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has encouraged organisations to start transitioning to fluorine-free alternatives.

A broader PFAS ban is under review, with legislation expected by 2026 and a potential phase-out period lasting until 2030.

The UK government is conducting a consultation on the future of PFAS use in firefighting.

OHEAP and industry bodies continue to monitor regulatory developments, providing guidance to businesses on compliance and best practices.