The German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) has drawn attention to the risks of using fire extinguishers containing perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) ahead of an upcoming change in EU regulation.
As of 28 June 2011, an EU ban will prohibit the use of one of the most persistent PFCs, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in fire extinguishing agents. However, the UBA is drawing attention to the fact that the ban on PFOS will result in a new type of fire fighting foams entering the market which contain other PFCs . The UBA argues these are equally concerning to human health and the environment as the banned substance, and that their use should be minimised to essential circumstances.