News, Updates, Alerts
A substance known as Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), used extensively to combat fires caused by fuel and other flame accelerants, contains chemicals shown to increase the risk of cancer and other diseases.
AFFF is so widely depended upon to extinguish fuel-based fires that those training to be firefighters are exposed to chemicals in the foam during certification exercises. Just one exposure can put a student or professional firefighter at risk.
Definitions
PFHXS Perfluorohexanesulphonic acid
Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) is one of a group of related chemicals known as perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS). These are also called perfluorochemicals (PFCs). This group of chemicals is used in a wide range of industrial processes and is found in many consumer products.
PFOS Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid
A synthetic chemical used to make products resistant to stains, grease, soil, and water.
PFOS is part of a class of chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs).
Certain chemicals known as “PFOS salts and transformation and degradation precursors” can break down in the environment into PFOS. These chemicals are also on the Proposition 65 list.
PFAS Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
A diverse group of thousands of chemicals used in hundreds of types of products. PFAS in the environment can enter the food supply through plants and animals grown, raised, or processed in contaminated areas.