Protecting Firefighters: Burlington County, NJ Fire Departments Phase Out Hazardous AFFF Foam
In Burlington County, New Jersey, numerous fire departments are discontinuing the use of a firefighting foam known as aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) due to its hazardous nature. The foam, which contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), has been linked to increased cancer risks among firefighters. Jacobstown Volunteer Fire Chief Robert Gancarz expressed concerns about the health implications of using AFFF and made the decision to dispose of all 580 gallons of the foam at their fire station.
New Jersey, along with over a dozen other states, is actively working to collect, remove, and eliminate all AFFF from fire stations. The state has already gathered more than 150,000 gallons of the foam, which has been transported to Revive Environmental, an Ohio-based company specializing in PFAS destruction. The foam is processed through supercritical water reactors at Revive Environmental, resulting in clean water as an output.
For years, firefighters' protective gear also contained PFAS, posing additional health risks. Robert Gancarz's father, known as "Boots," who had been a firefighter for decades, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2024. This prompted Robert Gancarz to take proactive measures by switching to a PFAS-free foam made from soybeans at his fire department. Despite having higher PFAS levels in his blood compared to the average American, Robert Gancarz remains concerned about the potential cancer risks associated with PFAS exposure.
The transition to PFAS-free foam signifies a crucial step towards safeguarding the health and well-being of firefighters and the community. By adopting safer alternatives, fire departments can mitigate the risks associated with harmful chemicals like PFAS and prioritize the safety of their personnel and the public.