Focus on firefighting gases in PFAS restriction proposal

Euralarm has released an updated fact sheet detailing the European Chemical Agency’s (ECHA) proposal for restricting PFAS, with a particular focus on firefighting gases.

The proposal, submitted by five European countries in February 2023, aims to regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the EU.

PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in various sectors, but this document highlights their application in firefighting gases.

Firefighting foams, which are subject to a separate restriction process, are not covered in this update.

The fact sheet, currently available in English, will soon be translated into French, German, and Spanish.

Firefighting gases and their inclusion in PFAS restrictions

The ECHA proposal includes several firefighting gases in its scope, such as HFC-227ea, HFC-125, FK-5-1-12, and HB-55.

These gases are used in extinguishing systems covered by EN 15004 and ISO 14520 standards.

Although firefighting gases represent a small portion (3%) of the overall application of fluorinated gases, their usage is essential in fire safety.

These systems remain non-emissive until activated, with an estimated 3% emission rate annually from fire protection reserves.

The proposal also acknowledges that some firefighting applications lack viable alternatives to these gases.

Proposed derogation and transition periods for firefighting gases

The proposal suggests an 18-month transition period after its entry into force, followed by a 12-year derogation for firefighting applications.

This is due to the absence of effective alternatives for certain uses, and the need to balance fire safety with environmental concerns.

ECHA’s analysis stresses the importance of these gases in preventing risks to human life and protecting valuable assets.

The proposal further indicates that a longer derogation might be necessary due to the limitations of existing alternatives and past unsuccessful research efforts.

Public consultation and legislative process

The public consultation on the PFAS restriction proposal, which ended on 25th September 2023, attracted over 5,600 submissions from various stakeholders, including companies, trade associations, NGOs, and national authorities.

The ECHA committees are now reviewing these submissions and will develop their scientific opinions.

The legislative process is expected to continue through 2025, with a potential entry into force by the end of that year.

Following this, the proposed derogations for firefighting applications would be implemented, allowing the continued use of fluorinated gases until at least 2039.

Euralarm updates PFAS restriction fact sheet for firefighting gases: Summary

Euralarm has published an updated fact sheet on the European Chemical Agency’s proposal to restrict PFAS in the EU, with an emphasis on firefighting gases.

The document covers gases such as HFC-227ea and FK-5-1-12, which are critical to fire safety systems.

While firefighting gases account for only a small percentage of PFAS applications, the proposal includes a 12-year derogation due to the lack of viable alternatives.

The public consultation concluded in September 2023, and the legislative process is expected to extend until 2025, with a transition period following entry into force.