Technological developments have played a vital role in shaping multiple industries. The same holds for the firefighting foam market. All through the years, crucial developments in foam-based solutions and firefighting technologies have revolutionized the way firefighters deal with fires.
Additionally, it has also added to the growth and expansion of the global firefighting foam market. It is estimated the market will reach USD 962.8 million by 2028 at a CAGR of 4.0%. It is also important to note the AFFF lawsuits because of firefighting foam exposure. The legal complaints report health issues after first responders, paramedics, and firefighters came into contact with this toxic foam.
Hence, today there are technological developments that can combat the harmful effects of AFFF exposure. This article will focus on such tech offerings that the firefighting foam market has to offer.
Eco-Friendly Foams
According to the latest firefighter foam lawsuit update, there are about 9,198 pending cases in the MDL. Most lawsuits have alleged manufacturers like DuPont and 3M for the health hazards firefighters and others faced. The plaintiffs shared that the manufacturers were aware of the dangers of the foam but failed to inform people about it, thereby leading to mass harm.
The conventional AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) and protein-based foams have additives and harmful chemicals that pose environmental risks. Exposure to this foam has resulted in thyroid, kidney, liver, and testicular cancer, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, and pre-eclampsia.
Biodegradable and environmentally friendly foam solutions are one of the leading tech offerings today. New foam technologies like protein and fluorine-free foams have reduced the negative environmental impact to a huge extent. The foams have been designed to dissolve fires while reducing the release of dangerous substances into the environment, making them more safe and sustainable to use.
It is necessary to note that eco-friendly foam might have an increased expense. However, it is highly useful in firefighting capacities and minimizes cleanup costs. That means, once invested it proves to be a cost-effective solution in the long run.
TorHoerman Law states that conventional firefighting foam has PFAS that is called ‘forever chemicals’. These dangerous chemicals don’t break and persist in the environment, causing harm to both nature and humans. Two common types of PFAS available in AFFF are PFOS ( perfluorooctane sulfonate) and PFOA ( perfluorooctanoic acid).
These chemicals are man-made and don’t exist in the environment naturally. According to the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer), PFOA consists of 2B carcinogens that lead to cancer in humans. Hence, using an eco-friendly foam is a better choice.
Enhanced Foam Delivery and Generation Systems
The other crucial technological advancement is the enhancements in the foam delivery and generation systems. The foam generation devices, like the proportioning systems and foam generators today are highly advanced and reliable. It comes equipped with features such as precise mixing, automatic proportioning, and quick deployment.
It enables the firefighters to respond fast and extinguish a fire quickly. All these advancements have reduced human mistakes and made sure of better foam quality. As a result, there are improved fire suppression capacities.
Advanced Foam Chemistry
The development in foam chemistry has resulted in the manufacturing of specialized foams customized for specific fire hazards. For instance, there are high-expansion foams that are designed to fight fires in confined areas or spaces with restricted access.
They expand fast and fill the overall space, thereby smothering the fire and averting re-ignition. Additionally, the alcohol-resistant foams are specifically designed to dissolve fires involving flammable liquids. It provides a great solution for industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, and aviation.
Usage of Smart Systems and Digital Technologies
The firefighting foam market has also been deeply impacted by smart systems and online technologies. The fire departments are highly embracing online solutions for fire management, such as inventory management, foam usage tracking, and predictive analytics. All these categories allow the fire department to optimize their foam usage, make informed decisions, and reduce wastage depending on real-time data.
Additionally, the integration of IoT (Internet of Things) devices and sensors in the foam systems also allows remote control and monitoring. It can improve the total efficiency and security of the firefighting operations.
Summing up, conventional firefighting foam has led to several health hazards in people who’ve been exposed to it. Other than firefighters, people working in airports, petroleum refineries, and chemical manufacturing plants are also affected by it. The protein and fluorine-free foams reduce human and environmental harm to a vast extent. Moreover, the other tech tools mentioned above add to the growth and development of the firefighting industry.
