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 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.
While there are no official figures, 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.