PFAS Destruction: Why Eliminating AFFF Matters More Than Ever
July 15, 2026
Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) has long been the gold standard for extinguishing flammable liquid
fires involving gasoline, jet fuel, solvents, alcohol, propane, butane, diesel, and other petroleum
products. For more than 60 years, it has been relied upon by the military, airports, industrial
facilities, and emergency response organizations around the world.
Is it effective? Absolutely. Is it also one of the largest sources of PFAS contamination?
Unfortunately, yes.
Many legacy AFFF contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of man-made chemicals
that break down so slowly they can persist in the environment for decades. That's why they've earned
the nickname "forever chemicals." PFAS have been linked to a growing list of health concerns,
including certain cancers, immune system suppression, developmental effects in children, and impacts
on the liver, kidneys, and metabolism. PFAS compounds also remarkably mobile, contaminating
groundwater, drinking water, soil, livestock, crops, and wildlife.
Once PFAS enter the environment, they don't simply disappear. They persist. They migrate. They
spread. And for years, even decades, they can continue to contaminate water, soil, and ecosystems,
leaving a lasting environmental legacy.
Why PFAS-Containing AFFF is Under Increasing Scrutiny
After years of scientific research documenting these risks, governments at every level are taking
action. The U.S. military is transitioning away from PFAS-containing AFFF. States such as Florida
have passed legislation to phase out its use. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
designated certain PFAS as hazardous substances under CERCLA, strengthened drinking water
regulations, and increased reporting requirements for releases. Across the country, additional
restrictions, liability concerns, and regulatory requirements continue to reshape how organizations
manage PFAS-containing materials.
But eliminating future use is only half of the solution.
AFFF Disposal Isn't Enough, PFAS Complete Destruction Is
What about the millions of gallons of PFAS-containing AFFF already sitting in storage? They have to
go somewhere. And "somewhere else" isn't good enough.
Simply relocating PFAS doesn't eliminate the problem. Whether they're placed in a landfill, injected
underground, or otherwise transferred, these persistent chemicals still have the potential to
re-enter the environment. The contamination cycle continues from water to soil, from soil to crops,
from crops to livestock, and ultimately back to us.
The goal isn't to move PFAS somewhere else. It should be to destroy it.
Several technologies have been used to manage PFAS waste over the years, but each comes with
limitations. Granular Activated Carbon (GAC), for example, captures PFAS but creates a secondary
waste stream that still requires treatment or disposal. Landfilling relocates the contamination
rather than eliminating it. Other treatment methods continue to evolve as researchers work to better
understand their long-term effectiveness and environmental impacts.
Perma-FAS™: A PFAS Destruction Technology
At Perma-Fix, we believe the future of PFAS management is permanent destruction.
That's why we developed Perma-FAS™, a PFAS destruction technology capable of destroying up to
99.9999% of PFAS in liquid waste streams, including AFFF, using low-temperature, ambient-pressure
processing. The process requires less energy than many traditional treatment methods and is designed
to permanently eliminate PFAS rather than transfer it somewhere else.
For organizations transitioning away from legacy AFFF, we also provide a complete turnkey solution
through partnerships with leading foam providers. Our services include AFFF removal, transportation,
permanent destruction, replacement with fluorine-free foam alternatives, and a Certificate of
Destruction documenting compliant management.
The momentum to eliminate PFAS is growing. More states are considering legislation. More organizations are looking
for permanent solutions.
More communities are demanding cleaner water and healthier environments. And that's exactly where we believe the
industry needs to go. Because the future isn't about storing PFAS. It's not about moving PFAS. It's about destroying
PFAS. When the day comes that every state requires the phaseout of PFAS-containing AFFF, Perma-Fix will be
ready to help organizations navigate the transition, permanently destroy these persistent chemicals,
protect our environment, and help ensure that "forever chemicals" don't remain forever.
Snap- Shot, Frequently Asked Questions
What is AFFF?
Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) is a firefighting foam used to suppress Class B fires involving
flammable liquids.
Many legacy formulations contain PFAS chemicals. It works by creating a film over combustible
liquid, essentially
smothering the fire.
What are PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that resist heat, water, and oil.
Because they
degrade extremely slowly, they are commonly known as "forever chemicals." They build up in the
environment and human
body and have been linked to serious health conditions. These chemicals are found in humans,
drinking water, food,
livestock, and vegetation.
Why is PFAS destruction important?
Unlike disposal methods that relocate PFAS, PFAS destruction technologies are designed to
permanently break down
these compounds, reducing the potential for future environmental contamination.
How can organizations dispose of AFFF?
Organizations should follow applicable federal and state regulations when managing legacy AFFF.
Permanent PFAS destruction may provide an effective option for organizations seeking long-term,
compliant management of PFAS-containing firefighting foam. Perma-Fix offers turnkey solutions to
remove, transport and properly dispose of these chemicals.



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