What Is a Handheld Foam Fire Extinguisher?

Before discussing the current issues with handheld foam fire extinguishers, it is important to first understand their fundamentals.
What is a foam extinguisher? How does it work? And when are they commonly used?
When a handheld foam fire extinguisher is used, it sprays a chemical foam solution that creates a cooling effect on the fire and smothers the flames by cutting off the oxygen supply.
For solid fires such as wood, paper, and textiles (known as Class A), it penetrates materials, cooling and extinguishing the fire effectively. For flammable liquid fires such as petrol, diesel, and oil (known as Class B), the foam forms a blanket over the surface, preventing re-ignition.
The use of foam for both Class A and B types of fires, allows them to be extinguished quickly and effectively, and it is this what makes a handheld foam extinguisher a popular method of firefighting across various industries.

What Is the Current Issue With Handheld Foam Fire Extinguishers?

Foam-based fire extinguishers are widely used to suppress fires, particularly those involving flammable liquids. Many of these extinguishers contain Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), which has been effective in firefighting for decades. However, some AFFF formulations contain Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and other Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), a group of synthetic chemicals often referred to as “forever chemicals.”

The term “forever chemicals” comes from the fact that PFAS compounds do not easily break down in the environment. Instead, they persist for years, dissolving in water and spreading through soil, rivers, and groundwater. This widespread contamination can enter food chains and drinking water supplies, leading to serious environmental and health risks.

Once in the body, PFAS compounds accumulate over time in both humans and animals. Studies have linked prolonged exposure to liver and kidney disease, reduced fertility, cardiovascular issues, and even certain cancers. The long-term health impacts of PFAS exposure are still being studied, but growing concerns have led to increased regulatory scrutiny.

To understand the potential danger of PFAS in firefighting, although not as extreme, asbestos is a good comparison to show how toxic materials can be identified and removed from product manufacture. Asbestos was once commonly used for fire protection, but it was later found to cause severe health problems, including lung diseases and cancer.

Today, asbestos is banned in many places due to its devastating effects. Similarly, PFAS chemicals may face the same fate as awareness grows and alternatives are developed.

What Now for Handheld Foam Fire Extinguishers?

This takes us back to the original question of: are handheld foam extinguishers extinct, and we can confirm the answer is no.

Foam-based fire extinguishers are still being produced, but manufacturers have now developed safer alternatives that eliminate toxic PFAS chemicals while maintaining effective fire suppression capabilities. These new formulations also offer a solution that significantly reduces environmental harm.

However, due to the higher production costs of fluorine-free handheld foam fire extinguisher, they come at a higher purchase price compared to traditional PFAS-based versions. Additionally, given the well-documented dangers of PFAS chemicals, correct disposal of old foam extinguishers is essential. This means foam extinguishers require safe removal and destruction in compliance with strict environmental guidelines, which may incur additional disposal costs.

What Does This Mean for The Industry?

Suppliers are starting to phase out the use of PFAS in the production of firefighting foam. With this shift, the industry is also beginning to look at environmental laws surrounding the use of PFAS in foams. The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has now published a guidance document that outlines the key issues.

In regard to the UK it states:

“In the UK DEFRA/HSE have started a consultation for a UK REACH restriction on PFAS in firefighting foams. They are currently consulting industry and a public consultation will be held next year.
It is unlikely that any UK restriction (on PFAS?) will be in place prior to 2026. Any transition periods would likely be similar to those in the proposed EU restriction i.e. 5-6 years for portables, 10 years for marine uses. It is unlikely that we’ll see any total ban prior to 2030 at the earliest.”

This indicates that restrictions are not yet in place, but there is a recommendation across the industry to stop the use of PFAS in foams. They advise looking toward the future and starting to phase out old foam extinguishers in favour of new fluorine-free alternatives.

To read the FIA Guidance: ‘PFAS in Firefighting foams Restrictions Update September 2024’ download here

What Does This Mean for Protec?

As a responsible leader in the fire industry, our commitment extends beyond protecting lives; we must also safeguard the environment. With this in mind, we believe it’s time to discontinue the supply of fire extinguishers containing harmful PFAS chemicals.
From now on, we will exclusively provide fluorine-free foam fire extinguishers, ensuring that no toxic chemicals are used in their production. This decision reflects our dedication to sustainability and environmentally responsible practices, aligning with our company’s green values and ensuring we continue to offer effective fire extinguishing solutions.

What Does This Mean for Our Customers?

Our commitment to our customers remains unchanged. We will continue to provide the correct fire extinguishers for every instance. However, due to the higher production costs of fluorine-free foam extinguishers, some cases may incur an additional cost.
We understand that this transition may not be ideal for all customers, which is why we are dedicated to working closely with each client to find the best fire safety solution tailored to their needs.

For Class A fires (such as wood, paper, and textiles), a water-based extinguisher remains a reliable and cost-effective substitute for fluorine-free foam.

For Class B fires (flammable liquids like petrol, diesel, and oil), alternative solutions such as fire blankets (dependent on location) or wet chemical extinguishers are also viable methods of extinguishing fires, aside from fluorine-free foam extinguishers.

As part of our ongoing service and maintenance agreements, we will work with each client at the time of extinguisher renewal to determine the best solution for their needs. Customers will have the option to upgrade to our environmentally friendly fluorine-free foam extinguishers or explore suitable alternatives.

Additionally, as with all our extinguisher contracts, when we remove an handheld foam fire extinguisher from a site, we will ensure it is disposed of responsibly, in accordance with environmental regulations, ensuring minimal impact on the planet.
By making these changes, we are proactively stepping towards sustainability, all while ensuring the high standards of fire safety our customers rely on.

Would You Like More Information?

We hope this article has provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your next purchase or existing foam-based fire extinguishers. If you have any further questions or need additional guidance, our expert extinguishing team is here to help. Feel free to reach out, and we’ll be happy to assist you in finding the best solution for your needs.