Excerpts from wvxu.org:
Ohio has launched the first program in the country to collect and destroy PFAS-laden firefighting foam.
The takeback program is a statewide effort for fire departments to dispose of their stores of Aqueous film forming foam, otherwise known as AFFF – one of the most pervasive sources of “forever chemicals.”
Until now, Ohio fire departments have had no way of getting rid of their stores of foam, which can risk residents’ health if the foam contaminates soil and drinking water. State officials estimate there are tens of thousands of gallons of the foam in Ohio, which has been piling up while waiting on a solution.
AFFF is a firefighting tool that’s been used since the 1960s. It also happens to contain PFAS, which are man-made chemicals coming under increased regulatory scrutiny for its links to certain cancers, increased infertility, and other health risks. In 2022, Ohio banned its use in firefighting training. However, there wasn’t a way to get rid of it.
But through the takeback program, the state of Ohio will partner with the environmental services company Revive Environmental to collect and destroy the firefighting foam.
Columbus-based research institute Battelle developed the PFAS Annihilator technology that will be used to destroy the foam and then formed spinout company Revive Environmental to commercialize it.
It works by putting the chemicals under intense heat and pressure which break the molecular bonds that make PFAS so durable.
Each annihilator can take roughly 250 gallons of foam a day.
Other states may sign on to take part. For example, New Hampshire will be the next state to collect and destroy their AFFF stores using the PFAS Annihilator, according to Revive Environmental.
This program is specific to fire departments, though other entities such as airports or other emergency departments may also have their own stores of the foam.
The PFAS Annihilator may also be used to destroy PFAS in water leaching from landfills and contaminated groundwater.
