What are “Forever Chemicals”?
- PFAS are long-lasting chemicals used in many products for their resistance to heat, water, and oil.
- They’re found in cosmetics, textiles, and food packaging, but don’t break down and build up in the environment and living organisms.
- Linked to health risks since the 1990s, PFOA and PFOS are now restricted due to their toxicity.
What You Need to Do:
- Extinguishers manufactured after 2016 are generally compliant however from July, any remaining AFFF or PFOA-containing extinguishers must be disposed of by a recognised disposal business.
- Check your fire extinguishers for PFOA or related chemicals and prepare for the safety rule changes.
- Begin planning and implementing a transition to alternative Class B fire extinguishers that are fluorine-free or use other methods to combat Class B fire.
How can we help?
For further information about issues raised in this article, please contact a member of our Safety & Health — Training & Consultancy team.
