Hundreds of fire departments in New Jersey are phasing out aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a firefighting agent linked to health risks, particularly cancer, among firefighters. Jacobstown Volunteer Fire Chief Robert Gancarz disposed of 580 gallons of AFFF, citing safety concerns due to its PFAS content, known as “forever chemicals.” New Jersey has collected over 150,000 gallons of AFFF from fire stations, with plans for destruction by Revive Environmental, an Ohio-based company that processes the foam to produce clean water. Firefighters’ gear also contained PFAS, contributing to health fears, exemplified by Boots Gancarz, who was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2024. The department is now using a PFAS-free foam derived from soybeans, which requires larger quantities to be effective.
Why It Matters
The move to eliminate AFFF in New Jersey reflects broader public health efforts to address the dangers posed by PFAS, which have been linked to serious health issues beyond firefighting, including environmental contamination. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has raised concerns over PFAS exposure, prompting legislative actions across multiple states. Firefighting foams containing PFAS have been widely used since the 1970s, contributing to elevated levels of these substances in the environment and in human blood. As awareness of PFAS-related health risks grows, the shift to safer alternatives in firefighting is significant for both firefighter safety and public health.
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