Summary: | The majority of modern firefighting foams contain PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated substances). There are increasing global concerns related to the long-term health and persistent environmental effects of all PFAS compounds. Several studies have shown that there are links between two of the most widely used in firefighting foams, PFOA and PFOS, and several health effects, including cancers, raised cholesterol levels, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, and pregnancy induced hypertension. This manual addresses changes required to transition to PFAS free foam related to system effectiveness and its contribution to Fire Hazard Management. However, it does not address health related issues from exposure to earlier foam types. The majority of modern firefighting foams contain PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated substances). There are increasing global concerns related to the long-term health and persistent environmental effects of all PFAS compounds. Several studies have shown that there are links between two of the most widely used in firefighting foams, PFOA and PFOS, and several health effects, including cancers, raised cholesterol levels, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, and pregnancy induced hypertension. This manual addresses changes required to transition to PFAS free foam related to system effectiveness and its contribution to Fire Hazard Management. However, it does not address health related issues from exposure to earlier foam types.
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