The AFFF Fire Extinguisher Ban: A Sustainable Shift in Fire Safety
Effective 4th July 2025, any fire extinguishers containing PFOA are officially prohibited for use, testing, servicing or maintenance throughout the UK, even in emergencies. Use of AFFF extinguishers can result in legal consequence, reputational damage and enviromental harm.
This process began in 2009, when PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) was banned under an international treaty aimed at eliminating persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Building on that foundation, further restrictions were introduced in January 2023, limiting the use of C8 AFFF foams (which contain PFOA) to sites where all releases could be fully contained. Now, as of July 2025, a complete ban on the use, testing, and maintenance of AFFF fire extinguishers containing PFOA will take effect in the UK.
This ban has significant positive implications for the environment, particularly in relation to water, soil and long term ecosystem health, and will help drive sustainable impacts within institutions and buisnesses across the board, from offices to construction sites.
PFOA at a Glance
PFOA, short for perfluorooctanoic acid, is a man-made chemical that belows to the PFAS family. These compounds are characterised by their incredibly strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which make them exceptionally resistant to degradation.
As scientific research into the impacts of such a strong chemical has expanded, so too has the enviromental and health concerns. Because of its chemical stability, PFOA can persist in soil, water and air for decades, disrupting vital eco-systems. On top of this, PFOA has been linked to various health issues, including:
- Cancer - The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified PFOA as a possible human carcinogen.
- Endocrine discruption
- Development/reproductive effects
PFOA isnt limited to industrial use, it has also been widely used in household products like non-stick cookware, stain resistant texttiles and water repellent clothing.
Now, with growing awareness of its dangers, governments are taking decisive action. In the UK, this includes the 2025 ban on AFFF fire extinguishers that contain PFOA, a crucial step toward reducing environmental contamination and protecting public health.
Your next steps
This new legislation is far from a recommendation, it is a non-negotiable law impacting the use, storage and disposal of all AFFF fire extinguishers.
In order to maintain your compliance on site, take out a short compliance check, for the safety of your team, environment and business:
CMT: Taking the Heat Off Your Compliance Needs
With end-to-end replacement support, CMT can supply you with the right extinguishers and accessories to ensure your set up is fully compliant and functional.
What sets us apart? Our next day delivery helps you make a seamless transition, replacing your uncertainty with confidence, and getting your site compliant without delay.
Shop the range below:
