How do Agencys actions affect aqueous film forming foams (AFFF)?
AFFF that contain perfluorinated compounds are typically used to extinguish highly flammable or combustible liquid fires, such as fires involving gas tankers and oil refineries. The biggest users of AFFF are U.S. military, petrochemical, and aviation industries. EPA is not conducting an assessment of AFFF because fluorinated AFFF products currently on the market are predominantly C6-based. Nevertheless, AFFF discharges may be subject to various local and state restrictions. The Agencys SNUR regulations do not affect the continued use of existing stocks of the C8-based chemicals that had been manufactured or imported into the U.S. prior to the effective date of the SNURs. Existing products and formulations already in the U.S. containing these chemicals for example, PFOS-based fire fighting foams produced before the rules took effect in 2002 can still be used. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will sample drinking water supplies, starting in 2009, around the state where repeated u
