New Hampshire’s efforts to dispose of old firefighting foam containing PFAS per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as forever chemicals, highlight the state’s search for safer methods to eliminate these harmful chemicals from the environment.
The foam, used for fighting tough fires like those involving gasoline or jet fuel, was collected under a state law and sent to Battelle, a nonprofit science and technology company, for treatment using the PFAS Annihilator– a technology that employs supercritical water oxidation to break down PFAS by heating water under high pressure.
The technology, which began processing foam in December, has raised questions about how to scale up the treatment for widespread PFAS contamination, particularly from sources like landfills. With the chemicals being virtually indestructible in the environment, New Hampshire’s approach emphasizes destroying the contaminants rather than relocating them to landfills or incinerators, which could still pose environmental risks.
PFAS chemicals, present in a range of consumer products, have been found to cause various health problems, including cancer.
The widespread presence of these substances complicates cleanup efforts, as they accumulate in wastewater systems and other areas. New Hampshire has already passed laws banning intentionally added PFAS in consumer products, but challenges remain in phasing out their use, especially in essential safety gear like firefighting equipment.
Firefighters, like Peter Lennon from Manchester, have long been exposed to PFAS through their uniforms and firefighting equipment, leading to health concerns.
Transitioning to PFAS-free alternatives is difficult due to costs and concerns over durability. Some municipalities, like Concord, have already started switching to PFAS-free uniforms, but there’s a need for more affordable and effective alternatives to replace the chemicals in firefighting tools.
Battelle’s lab continues testing for PFAS in a variety of unexpected places, including food products and fabrics, as manufacturers seek to understand the extent of contamination in their supply chains.
The pervasive nature of PFAS underscores the need for ongoing research and development of safer alternatives to avoid future environmental and health crises.