FIA Unveils New Guidelines to Phase Out Toxic PFAS in Firefighting Foams
In a major step toward safer fire safety, the Fire Industry Association (FIA) has released new guidelines emphasising the urgent need to phase out PFAS-based firefighting foams, the so-called “forever chemicals” tied to serious health and environmental risks.
PFAS chemicals, including PFOS and PFOA, have long been used for their effectiveness in suppressing flammable fires, especially liquid fuel fires. However, their extreme persistence in the environment causes contamination of soil and water near airports, military bases, and training sites. Exposure to these chemicals is linked to cancers, liver and thyroid damage, reproductive harm, and poses elevated risks to firefighters on the front lines.
Regulatory Shifts in the UK and EU
Though the UK currently lacks a full ban, new UK and EU regulations are rapidly restricting PFAS in firefighting foams, with anticipated phased bans especially for high-risk industrial uses within the next decade. These changes reflect growing acknowledgement of PFAS’s toxic legacy and the need for safer alternatives.
Transitioning to Safer Alternatives
As firefighting foams shift away from toxic PFAS, effective treatment of AFFF-impacted water is essential. Puratech G400
offers a cutting-edge solution, removing PFAS with proven efficiency, reducing contact times from 24 minutes to just 1 minute and cutting treatment media volume by up to 95% compared to traditional methods. For detailed insights into Puratech G400’s performance and benefits in real-world applications, request our comprehensive case study today.
Global Impact and Future Outlook
As the UK and EU pave the way with regulations, countries worldwide are watching closely, aiming to adopt similar measures. The shift away from PFAS not only protects firefighters and communities but also drives innovation in greener fire suppression technologies.
The FIA’s new guidance marks a crucial milestone in reducing toxic PFAS use in firefighting foams, signaling a safer, more sustainable future for fire protection and environmental health.
Stay informed with PFAS Pulse for the latest developments on PFAS regulations and safer alternatives.
Puraffinity partners with the U.S. Army ERDC to evaluate Puratech G400, an advanced adsorbent for PFAS removal, through lab and field trials comparing its performance and cost-effectiveness to existing PFAS treatment technologies
An exclusive panel featuring Puraffinity CEO Vincent Caillaud, who will join industry leaders to discuss cutting-edge solutions for combatting PFAS, “forever chemicals”, in drinking water. With PFAS contamination presenting urgent health challenges due to their extreme persistence, mobility, and health impacts at trace levels, this session will spotlight the realities of PFAS in water supplies, the latest science driving regulatory change, and the next generation of removal technologies.
WEFTEC 2025 is the world’s largest annual water quality conference and exhibition, held September 27–October 1, 2025, at McCormick Place in Chicago. It gathers over 20,000 water professionals from 100+ countries to explore cutting-edge water technologies, attend technical sessions and workshops, and network with sector leaders. The event features a massive exhibition of advanced solutions, educational opportunities, and speciality pavilions focused on topics like sustainability and digital innovation. Our CEO, Vincent Caillaud , and CCO, Neal Megonnell , will be in attendance.
In the Building World-Class Teams webinar series, Henrik Hagemann and Jessica Middlesmiss will be discussing how to Create Cultures that Scale
Neal Megonnell brings over three decades of experience in various leadership, technology and sales roles in the carbon industry to his new position at Puraffinity. His extensive background and expertise in the water treatment sector and the specific technologies for removing contaminants make him an invaluable addition to the company's executive team. In his role as CCO, Neal will be responsible for driving Puraffinity's commercial strategy, expanding market presence, and accelerating growth in the rapidly evolving field of PFAS removal technologies. "We are thrilled to welcome Neal to our team," said Vincent Caillaud, CEO of Puraffinity. "His impressive track record in the industry, coupled with his deep understanding of PFAS-related challenges, aligns perfectly with our mission. His background in R&D, with multiple published papers and two patents related to activated carbon, will be instrumental in driving our commercial success and furthering our goal of providing innovative PFAS removal solutions." Neal holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master’s in Colloids, Polymers and Surfaces. This strong academic foundation, combined with his extensive industry experience, positions him well to lead Puraffinity's commercial efforts in addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Neal's expertise is extensively demonstrated through his strategic involvement in various professional committees, including Chair of the American Water Works Association Standards on Activated Carbon Committee, the ASTM D28 Activated Carbon Committee, and serving as Chairman of the Standards for Activated Carbon. "I am thrilled to join Puraffinity at this exciting time," said Neal Megonnell. "The company's commitment to developing sustainable adsorbent materials for PFAS removal aligns with my passion for innovative water treatment solutions. I look forward to working with the talented team at Puraffinity to expand our market reach and deliver cutting-edge technologies to communities and industries worldwide."