• Date 2025-01-03

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are used in extinguishing foams, are subject to several chemical regulations under REACH and POP and are increasingly being regulated. In the long term, a switch to fluorine-free foam agents is therefore an ecologically and economically sensible measure. However, owners and users of these extinguishing foams face numerous questions regarding implementation.

Against this background, the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, in cooperation with the Federal Environment Agency and E.P.Fire, has summarized current information and knowledge on the topic in a guideline on replacing extinguishing foams containing PFAS. The current and future regulations on PFAS in extinguishing foams - both from the REACH and POP regulations - are summarized and an overview of possible analysis methods, cleaning and disposal processes is given.

The guide is available digitally (in German).

Source: REACH-CLP biocide helpdesk of the federal authorities, report from January 2nd, 2025 (in German)