Scaling Adoption of Alternatives to Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Aqueous Film-Forming Foams: Lessons Learned on Needs and Opportunities

Abstract

The objective of this project was to explore lessons learned from existing efforts to accelerate the adoption of substitutes for firefighting foams containing per- and poly fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). Key objectives included: (1) understanding critical technology, market or policy factors (actual and perceived) that are inhibiting the implementation of alternatives to Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) and other PFAS containing firefighting products; (2) understanding critical technology, market or policy factors that are enabling and scaling a transition to safer and feasible alternatives to AFFF and other PFAS based firefighting products; and (3) understanding lessons learned from the US Department of Defenses (US DoD) current efforts to accelerate the adoption of safer and effective PFAS-free alternatives that can improve efficacy in firefighting scenarios. Key informant interviews were conducted to explore barriers and enablers in transitioning from AFFF to alternatives. Reviews of the literature, including peer-reviewed publications and reports in the gray literature, were used to delve deeper into topics and themes that emerged in the interviews.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 30, 2022
Accession Number
AD1217173

Entities

People

  • Joel Tickner
  • Molly Jacobs
  • Monika Roy

Organizations

  • University of Massachusetts Lowell

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Commerce
  • Emergency Response
  • Environment
  • Environmental Protection
  • Fire Protection
  • Health Services
  • Knowledge Management
  • Lessons Learned
  • National Security
  • Performance Tests
  • Procurement
  • Public Health
  • Teamwork
  • Test Methods
  • United States

Readers

  • Defense Technology Research and Development.
  • Fire Suppression Systems Design.
  • Organizational Process Management (OPM).