Why PFAS Foams Must Be Removed Under IChEMS
What Is PFAS?
Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of synthetic fluorinatedchemicals used for their oil and waterrepellent properties. In firefighting, PFAS werehistorically used in AFFF, FP, FFFP and other fluorinated foams because they rapidly suppress flammable liquid fires.
However, PFAS are now recognised globally as “forever chemicals” because they:
- Do not break down in the environment
- Bioaccumulate in soil, water, wildlife and humans
- Are linked to adverse health effects, including cancers and metabolic, immune anddevelopmental impacts
PFOS (2009), PFOA (2019), PFHxS (2022) and longchain C9–C21 PFAS (2025) are listedas Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention.
Why PFAS Firefighting Foams Are Being Removed
1. National Ban Under IChEMS (Australia wide)
From 1 July 2025, Australia prohibits the import, manufacture, use and sale of PFOS,PFOA and PFHxSbased foams under the Industrial Chemicals EnvironmentalManagement Standard (IChEMS). This includes all legacy C8 foams.
Only limited exemptions apply (e.g., Transport for NSW and seven highrisk facilities until 1December 2027).
2. StateLevel Requirements
- Queensland: PFAS foams phased out between 2016–2019; users must cease useand transition to nonpersistent alternatives.
- NSW: C8 foams banned; C6 restricted to emergencies only. Training/testing withPFAS foams prohibited.
- National Position Statement (2019): All legacy C8 foams to be phased out; C6 onlyfor emergency use with full containment.
3. Environmental & Health Risk
PFAS foams contaminate:
- Groundwater
- Soil
- Marine enviroments
- Fire stations and equipment
- Firefighters’ blood serum (significantly elevated levels)
4. Legal & Compliance Obligations
Under IChEMS and state laws, organisations must:
- Remove PFAS foams from service
- Prevent environmental release
- Dispose of PFAS foam as hazardous waste via licensed contractors
- Maintain documentation for regulators and insurers
Transition to PFASFree (F3) Foams
Australia is shifting to fluorinefree (F3) foams. However, transitioning is not as simple asdraining and refilling—systems often require engineering adjustments to maintain performance.
FireFoam C.T.S plays a critical role by:
- Testing legacy foams
- Identifying PFAS contamination
- Supporting PFASfree transition
- Providing compliant disposal pathways Certifying new F3 foam performance