Firefighters in Ohio have been utilizing aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) to combat oil and gas fires since the 1960s; however, Ohio is now revolutionizing how it handles toxic materials by introducing a groundbreaking PFAS-destroying technology. 

Ohio governor Mike DeWine unveiled the Aqueous Film Forming Foam Takeback program earlier this year, which aims to dispose of stockpiles of AFFF laden with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as forever chemicals, to non-detectable levels. 

The initiative represents a collaborative effort involving the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the State Fire Marshal's Office, and Battelle, utilizing Battelle's PFAS Annihilator.

Fire departments participating in the program can register their AFFF quantities and bring them to one of ten designated collection sites. The foam is then transported to a central facility equipped with Battelle's PFAS Annihilator, where intense heat and pressure destroy PFAS molecules completely by breaking down their carbon-fluorine bonds and rendering the remnants non-hazardous.

The success of the AFFF Takeback program could pave the way for these technologies to play a crucial role in environmental protection efforts statewide, with Ohio EPA Director Ann Vogel expressing interest in exploring these possibilities based on the program's outcomes.

The AFFF Takeback Program marks a pioneering step in combating the persistent issue of PFAS contamination. PFAS chemicals, found in various consumer products, from nonstick cookware to waterproof makeup, pose significant health risks, including cancer, high cholesterol, and low birth weight. David Trueba, President and CEO of Revive Environmental Technology, a Battelle spinoff, highlighted the urgency of addressing AFFF contamination, noting its potential to leach into groundwater following firefighting efforts.

Introducing this technology not only provides a feasible solution for the safe disposal of toxic firefighting foams but also signifies a hopeful advancement toward mitigating the widespread issue of PFAS contamination. As Amy Dindal, Battelle Environment Division Manager, stated, the aim is to eradicate PFAS at their origin to safeguard drinking water and the environment from potential contamination.

This initiative reflects a broader commitment to environmental protection and public health safety, addressing the longstanding challenge of managing PFAS contamination. The collaboration between Ohio's governmental agencies and Battelle paves the way for innovative pollution control approaches, emphasizing technology's importance in achieving a cleaner and safer environment.

Read more by visiting The Ohio Newsroom and Ideastream Public Media.

Read more about Batelle's 'PFAS Annihilator' and the additional report on the development of this product.