PFAS IN AFFF

Pace® helps protect communities across the country by offering testing services for LEGACY Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), FFF (F3), and impacted media SUCH AS SOIL, Surface water, AND GROUNDWATER.

FLUORINE-FREE FOAM IS NOT ALWAYS PFAS-FREE

As legacy AFFF is phased out across the country, many are replacing older firefighting foams with newer foams advertised as fluorine-free. Unfortunately, this does not always mean these foams are completely free of PFAS or PFAS precursors, and material safety data sheets can be hard to interpret. Pace^® can analyze your firefighting foams to determine which, if any, targeted PFAS compounds they contain and in what concentrations. We can also test F3 and AFFF for total organic fluorine.

EPA USES CURRENT PROGRAMS TO CONTROL AFFF

The agency’s 2021-2024 PFAS Strategic Roadmap calls for the EPA to leverage the NDPES permitting program to reduce PFAS discharge. If certain PFAS are designated as hazardous substance under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, also known as CERCLA, (final rule expected summer 2023), the agency will have even greater authority to mandate the cleanup and remediation of AFFF releases.

HAD A FIRE EMERGENCY OR AFFF SPILL?

Any discharge of firefighting foams, whether from an emergency or training exercise, should be treated as a chemical spill. The Pace^® Rapid Response team can help you assess the impact of the release and provide defensible data, often in less than 24-hours.

DOD WORKING TO ELIMINATE PFAS

Under fire for its use of AFFF on military bases and the impact on local communities, the U.S. DOD is a leading player in the fight to address PFAS contamination. The agency has already developed a test method (DOD AFFF01) to analyze firefighting foams for PFAS and is working to develop new fluorine free foams that meet the agency’s exacting specifications for aviation emergencies. In an effort that may take years to complete, the DOD is also analyzing PFAS usage and release at over 700 military installations around the world, with the intent to initiate and prioritize PFAS remediation efforts.

STATES PAVE THE WAY FOR AFFF BANS

Many states are considering or have already passed legislation prohibiting the use of AFFF containing PFAS, except where required by law. Once a PFAS-free replacement for AFFF is approved by the FAA and DOD for emergency use, a clause in many states will go into effect, prohibiting the use of AFFF in all scenarios.

REQUEST A PFAS BRIEFING FOR YOUR STATE

Pace^® offers PFAS testing services across the country through its nationwide network of certified and accredited labs. Our experts can bring your compliance and risk-management teams up to speed quickly on current and pending PFAS action in your area.

PRIMARY TEST METHODS FOR ANALYZING PFAS IN AFFF

Legacy AFFF has a long shelf-life, and not all fluorine-free foams are PFAS-free. Pace^® offers several test methods for analyzing AFFF and F3 for PFAS content.

MATRICES IMPACTED BY AFFF

In addition to testing AFFF and FFF for PFAS content, Pace^® offers testing services covering a variety of matrices that can become contaminated by PFAS-containing firefighting foams.

REASONS TO CHOOSE PACE®

EXPERIENCED

Pace^® has been an industry leader in persistent organic pollutant testing for over three decades.

CERTIFIED

We’re certified/accredited by NELAC, ISO, DOD, DOE, and in every state with a PFAS lab certification program.

RELIABLE

For emergencies, our Rapid Response Team can provide defensible results in as little as 24 hours.

COMMITTED

We are committed to helping our customers advance their important work through building strong relationships, delivering upon expectations, and providing exceptional customer service.