Ohio Implements A Program To Prevent AFFF From Entering The Environment

Cleaning up aqueous film forming foam using supercritical water oxidation is a practical scientific procedure

Monday, February 5, 2024 - State government Attorney Generals have filed AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits against 3M, DuPont, and about one dozen other companies involved in making and selling the toxic substance. Aqueous Film Forming Foam is made from PFAS forever chemicals. PFAS chemicals may cause cancer as they contain strong molecular bonds that do not break down organically and accumulate in the body. The lawsuits seek monetary damages but moreover, are looking to provide funds to reimburse states involved in remediation efforts to rid the environment of chemicals. AFFF has been washed into the soil surrounding municipal firefighting stations and also on and around airports where its use has been deemed mandatory by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Ohio government officials are expressly concerned with the runoff of AFFF used at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Dayton International Airport. Firefighting foam has saved thousands of lives across the nation since it is the most effective way of extinguishing petroleum and jet fuel fires. The US state of Ohio has initiated one of the first AFFF remediation programs with the hope of taking PFAS forever chemicals out of the soil and water. According to DaytonDailyNews.com, " A new $3 million statewide initiative to collect and destroy stockpiled firefighting foam containing hazardous per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) launched this week. The new Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) Takeback Program will operate in partnership with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the State Fire Marshal's Office, and the science and technology company Battelle. AFFF will be exposed to supercritical water oxidation, which effectively destroys AFFF and PFAS-contaminated wastewater to non-detectable levels, according to a governor's office release."

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) poses a significant environmental threat, contaminating air, soil, and water supplies through its usage in firefighting activities. The application of AFFF releases airborne particulates and volatile compounds, contributing to air pollution. The foam contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which, when released into the atmosphere, may undergo atmospheric transport and deposition, further exacerbating pollution concerns. Upon its disposal, AFFF infiltrates the soil, introducing PFAS compounds into terrestrial ecosystems. The persistence of PFAS in soil is notable, as these substances exhibit resistance to natural degradation processes, leading to long-term environmental consequences. Soil contamination raises the risk of bioaccumulation within plant life, potentially impacting the entire food chain. Water supply contamination is a critical issue associated with AFFF usage. Runoff from firefighting activities, particularly during emergencies, carries AFFF residues into water bodies, resulting in the introduction of PFAS into rivers, lakes, and groundwater. The persistence and mobility of PFAS compounds in water systems lead to widespread contamination, posing threats to aquatic ecosystems and the safety of drinking water supplies. The detrimental effects of AFFF contamination extend beyond immediate areas of application, affecting ecosystems on a regional and even global scale. As PFAS are known for their resistance to environmental breakdown, the long-term consequences of AFFF usage demand comprehensive remediation strategies and heightened regulatory measures to mitigate the impact on air, soil, and water quality.

Information provided by AFFFLawsuitCenter.com, a website devoted to providing news about AFFF and PFAS cancer, lymphoma and leukaemia claims, including a free no-cost, no-obligation AFFF Lawsuit Claim.