{"id":17044,"date":"2025-06-25T12:53:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-25T12:53:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.chubbfs.com\/uk-en\/?p=17044"},"modified":"2025-06-25T12:53:00","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T12:53:00","slug":"what-you-really-need-to-know-about-foam-extinguishers-and-c8","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.chubbfs.com\/uk-en\/what-you-really-need-to-know-about-foam-extinguishers-and-c8\/","title":{"rendered":"Fire Extinguisher Mythbusting: What You Really Need to Know About Foam Extinguishers and C8 (PFOA)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Changes to fire safety regulations often lead to confusion and misinformation, especially when complex technical terms are involved. Recently, some uncertainty has emerged around the future of foam fire extinguishers and whether businesses need to remove or replace them by July 2025.<\/p>\n

In this blog, Lee Wilkes, Supply Chain Quality & PFX Product Manager at Chubb Fire & Security and a leading voice on fire extinguisher compliance, explores what the regulations actually say, which foam extinguishers are affected and how businesses can make informed decisions about replacements. From fire extinguisher myths to the phase-out of C8 (PFOA), we\u2019ll break down the facts and clarify what action, if any, is required.<\/p>\n

The Myth: \u201cAll Foam Fire Extinguishers Must Be Removed by 2025\u201d<\/h2>\n

The most common misunderstanding is that all foam fire extinguishers are now non-compliant and must be phased out by 4 July 2025.<\/p>\n

The reality is more nuanced. The phase-out date applies specifically to certain older foam extinguishers that contain long-chain fluorinated chemicals known as C8 (PFOA), substances that have raised environmental and health concerns.<\/p>\n

The UK legislation follows the EU\u2019s restriction of C8 (perfluorooctanoic acid) under the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation (EU) 2019\/1021. Under this framework, foam extinguishers using this compound will no longer be permitted after the deadline due to its persistence in the environment and potential toxicity.<\/p>\n

What Is C8 (PFOA) and Why Is It Being Phased Out?<\/h2>\n

C8 (PFOA) belongs to a group of chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often referred to as \u201cforever chemicals\u201d because they do not break down easily in nature. Historically used in firefighting foams for their effectiveness on flammable liquid fires, C8 compounds have become the focus of environmental and health regulations worldwide.<\/p>\n

The phase-out is designed to reduce the risk of long-term contamination by removing products containing C8 from commercial use.<\/p>\n

The Reality: Newer Foam Extinguishers Are Not Affected<\/h2>\n

Many businesses may already be using foam extinguishers that do not contain C8. In recent years, manufacturers \u2013 including Chubb \u2013 have transitioned to alternative formulations using shorter-chain compounds, such as C6 (PFHxA), which currently remain permitted under UK regulations.<\/p>\n

If your site uses these newer C6-based foam extinguishers, there is no legal requirement to replace them before July 2025. However, regulatory developments may continue as scientific understanding evolves.<\/p>\n

How Can You Check Your Current Fire Extinguishers?<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re unsure whether your foam extinguishers contain C8, there are practical steps you can take:<\/p>\n