As awareness of PFAS grows, many fire departments and airports have taken steps to phase out legacy AFFF foam. While this transition is critical, draining foam systems alone does not eliminate PFAS contamination.

PFAS chemicals are highly persistent and adhere to the internal surfaces of tanks, hoses, piping, and proportioners. Even after foam is removed, residual PFAS remains trapped inside the system. When water or new foam is introduced, these chemicals can leach back into the system.

This creates a dangerous cycle of recontamination—placing firefighters, maintenance crews, and facilities at ongoing risk. Rinse water generated during cleaning can also become contaminated, spreading PFAS beyond the original equipment.

Regulatory agencies are increasingly focused on how PFAS waste is handled, treated, and documented. Improper cleaning or disposal can result in compliance violations, environmental damage, and long-term liability.

True PFAS mitigation requires controlled treatment that captures contaminated solutions and destroys PFAS compounds rather than relocating them. Mobile decontamination technologies now allow this work to be completed on-site, minimizing risk and downtime.

For organizations responsible for public safety and environmental stewardship, proper PFAS decontamination is not optional—it is essential.