Firefighting foam contains numerous toxic chemicals known as “forever chemicals.” These chemicals do not break down quickly and stay around for a long time. They are linked to a variety of chronic and disabling illnesses and conditions, especially cancers.

Which chemical is used in foam fire extinguisher?

Aluminium sulphate is used in ‘foam’ fire extinguishers, which contain radium bicarbonate and aluminium sulphate in separate receptacles on being mixed they form the foam of bubbklkes of CO2.

Why do firefighters use foam?

Firefighters use aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) to help extinguish difficult-to-fight fires, particularly fires that involve petroleum or other flammable liquids ‚ known as Class B fires.