From 4 July 2025, AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) fire extinguishers containing PFAS chemicals — commonly known as "forever chemicals" — became illegal to use or hold in the UK. If your premises still have AFFF extinguishers, you need to take action now.
This article explains what the ban covers, how to identify affected extinguishers, and what you should replace them with.
If you have any cream-coloured fire extinguishers on your premises — particularly in kitchens, garages, vehicle workshops or anywhere with a fuel or flammable liquid risk — there's a good chance they contain PFAS. Read on to find out how to check and what to do.
What are PFAS and why are they being banned?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in fire-fighting foams, non-stick coatings and water-resistant materials. They're called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down naturally in the environment or in the human body.
PFAS have been linked to a range of serious health effects, including certain cancers, thyroid disruption and immune system effects. When AFFF extinguishers are used — or even when they are disposed of carelessly — PFAS chemicals can leach into soil and groundwater, where they persist indefinitely.
The EU banned PFAS-containing foams in 2022, and the UK followed suit with the ban taking effect from July 2025.
Which extinguishers are affected?
The ban specifically covers extinguishers containing PFAS in their foam agent. The main type affected is:
- AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) extinguishers — typically cream-coloured, used for Class B fires (flammable liquids) and Class A fires
The following types are not affected by the PFAS ban:
- Water extinguishers (red)
- CO2 extinguishers (black)
- Dry powder extinguishers (blue)
- Wet chemical extinguishers (yellow) — used for cooking oil fires
- AFFF-labelled extinguishers containing PFAS-free foam agents (some modern versions)
The safest approach is to have any cream or foam-labelled extinguisher checked by a competent engineer who can confirm whether it contains PFAS.
What should you replace AFFF extinguishers with?
The good news is that PFAS-free alternatives exist and perform well. The main options are:
| Replacement type | Suitable for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PFAS-free foam | Class A and Class B fires | The like-for-like replacement for AFFF. Performs similarly without the environmental harm. |
| CO2 | Class B fires, electrical fires | Good for flammable liquid and electrical risk areas. Leaves no residue. |
| Dry powder | Class A, B, C fires | Versatile but messy. Not recommended for indoor use in most commercial settings. |
| Wet chemical | Cooking oil fires (Class F) | Required in commercial kitchens — not a replacement for AFFF in other areas. |
The right replacement depends on your specific fire risk profile. A fire risk assessment will identify which classes of fire risk are present in each area of your premises, which determines the correct extinguisher type and rating.
It can be tempting to simply replace a cream extinguisher with a new cream one. But before you do, make sure the new extinguisher is confirmed PFAS-free by the supplier. Some older stock may still contain PFAS agents. Always ask for confirmation in writing.
How to dispose of AFFF extinguishers
PFAS-containing extinguishers must not be discharged or disposed of in general waste. They must be handled as hazardous waste, collected by a licensed waste contractor who can deal with them appropriately. Your fire extinguisher service provider should be able to arrange this — if they can't, find one that can.
What you need to do
- Audit your extinguishers — identify any AFFF types on your premises
- Confirm whether they contain PFAS (your service engineer can check)
- Arrange hazardous waste removal for any affected units
- Replace with PFAS-free alternatives appropriate to your fire risk
- Update your fire risk assessment to reflect the changes
Erif can handle the assessment, removal and replacement in a single visit. Contact us to arrange a free extinguisher audit.