PFAS-free fire extinguishers

PFAS-free fire extinguishers are becoming increasingly important within professional fire safety. More and more organisations are looking for solutions that are both effective and compliant with stricter environmental and health requirements. With the expected phase-out of PFAS-containing extinguishing agents, the demand for fluorine-free alternatives that are technically proven and broadly applicable continues to grow. European regulation is moving towards a ban on PFAS-containing fire extinguishers, encouraging inspection bodies, insurers and safety consultants to support an early transition to fluorine-free solutions.

What is a PFAS-free fire extinguisher and why is it relevant?

A PFAS-free fire extinguisher does not contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These substances have been widely used in foam extinguishers for many years because of their extinguishing properties. It is now well known that PFAS are highly persistent and accumulate in the environment and in the human body. PFAS-free fire extinguishers therefore align better with sustainability objectives and anticipated future legislation than traditional PFAS-based foam extinguishers.

What are PFAS and why are they a concern in fire extinguishers?

PFAS is a collective term for thousands of chemical substances characterised by a strong carbon–fluorine bond. This bond makes PFAS extremely stable, but also persistent. During use or leakage of PFAS-containing fire extinguishers, these substances can enter soil and water systems.
Scientific studies link PFAS to potential risks for human health and the environment. This is a key reason why regulatory authorities are focusing on limiting and ultimately phasing out the use of PFAS in extinguishing agents.

Performance of fluorine-free fire extinguishers compared to traditional foam extinguishers

Fluorine-free fire extinguishers have been developed to deliver comparable extinguishing performance without the use of PFAS. Their effectiveness is based on cooling and oxygen separation, depending on the extinguishing agent used.
PFAS-free solutions based on hydrogel provide additional advantages:

  • Rapid and long-lasting cooling of the fire source

  • Formation of a stable oxygen barrier that helps prevent re-ignition

  • Thermo-responsive properties that isolate sparks and reduce the release of toxic gases

A fluorine-free foam extinguisher or alternative extinguishing agent can be used without compromising safety, provided it is technically validated, tested and certified according to modern standards such as NTA 8133/A1.

Practical applications of PFAS-free fire extinguishers

Industry, logistics and technical installations
In industrial environments, sustainability and regulatory compliance are increasingly important. PFAS-free fire extinguishers fit well within these frameworks.

Public buildings, government and utilities
Public authorities and publicly accessible buildings increasingly choose fluorine-free solutions to minimise environmental impact.

Specific applications such as lithium-ion battery fires and e-mobility
With emerging risks such as lithium-ion battery fires, it is essential that PFAS-free fire extinguishers are suitable for these scenarios. Extinguishers tested and approved according to NTA 8133/A1 demonstrate their ability to effectively stop the combustion process in lithium battery fires.

Regulation and the transition to PFAS-free fire extinguishers

At present, there is no legal obligation requiring the use of PFAS-free fire extinguishers. However, European regulation is clearly moving towards a ban on PFAS. In practice, inspection bodies, insurers and safety consultants increasingly expect organisations to adopt PFAS-free and future-proof solutions.
For existing PFAS-containing fire extinguishers, transitional arrangements generally apply. Continued use is permitted, but refilling and replacement options are becoming increasingly restricted.

Certification: NTA 8133/A1, EN 3-11 and technical testing

There is currently no standard fire extinguisher norm within the EN series, such as EN 3-7, specifically addressing lithium-ion battery fires. For this reason, the Dutch Technical Agreement NTA 8133 was developed. This guideline tests portable fire extinguishers for their suitability to effectively extinguish lithium-ion battery fires up to 600 Wh. An additional A1 amendment has been introduced to provide clear and uniform test criteria.
Fire extinguishers tested according to NTA 8133/A1 carry a clear label with a test number confirming successful completion of this performance test.
A European standard, EN 3-11, which closely resembles NTA 8133, is currently under development. However, it does not yet include all A1 additions. Kiwa recommends using this standard to provide consistent, Europe-wide test criteria.

Environmental and health aspects of PFAS-free fire extinguishers

PFAS-free fire extinguishers based on hydrogel have been assessed in accordance with recognised standards. Intertek analyses confirm that the extinguishing agent is completely PFAS-free. OECD 201 and 202 tests show that the agent is not toxic to humans or the environment.

Additional benefits include:

  • No harmful decomposition products

  • No known irritation

  • Safe use on electrical installations up to 1000 volts

What to consider when choosing a PFAS-free fire extinguisher

  • Fire risk and application environment

  • Suitability for fire classes A, B and F

  • Maintenance requirements, service life and environmental impact

PFAS-free fire extinguishers represent a logical step towards future-proof fire safety. By choosing technically validated, fluorine-free solutions, you reduce risks to people and the environment. Would you like to know which PFAS-free fire extinguisher is suitable for your application? Contact us for an in-depth technical consultation.

Frequently asked questions about PFAS-free fire extinguishers

What is the difference between a PFAS-free and a fluorine-free fire extinguisher?

In practice, the terms PFAS-free and fluorine-free are often used interchangeably, as both indicate that the extinguishing agent does not contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. A PFAS-free fire extinguisher therefore relies on alternative extinguishing techniques that do not leave persistent substances in the environment or in the human body, unlike traditional foam extinguishers.

Are PFAS-free fire extinguishers mandatory for businesses?

PFAS-free fire extinguishers are not currently legally required for businesses. However, European regulatory developments clearly point towards the phase-out of PFAS-containing fire extinguishers. As a result, inspection bodies, insurers and safety consultants increasingly expect organisations to demonstrably work with PFAS-free solutions.

Are fluorine-free foam extinguishers as effective as traditional foam extinguishers?

Fluorine-free foam extinguishers are designed to deliver comparable extinguishing performance without the use of PFAS. Their effectiveness largely depends on correct application and the choice of the appropriate extinguishing agent for the specific fire scenario.

Are PFAS-free fire extinguishers safe for people and the environment?

PFAS-free fire extinguishers are safe for people and the environment when the extinguishing agent has been tested in accordance with recognised standards and supported by independent analyses. Intertek analyses confirm that the agent is fully PFAS-free, while OECD 201 and 202 tests demonstrate that it is non-toxic and does not produce harmful decomposition products during use.

When should I switch to a PFAS-free fire extinguisher?

Switching to PFAS-free fire extinguishers is particularly relevant when your organisation is facing stricter environmental requirements, replacing existing extinguishers or preparing for future regulations. By transitioning early, you avoid time pressure later and strengthen the long-term resilience of your fire safety strategy.