Making your move to PFAS-free.

While compliant extinguishers can continue to be used until the end of their approved service life, the regulatory landscape surrounding PFAS is evolving.

Many organisations are choosing to review their long-term replacement strategy now, allowing them to plan budgets, procurement and sustainability objectives on their own timetable rather than reacting to future changes.

“PFAS are increasingly detected as environmental pollutants and some are linked to negative effects on human health.”
— European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

At Eastern Extinguishers we are committed to helping businesses make the move to PFAS-free as easy as possible. Whether your existing units are up for renewal, or if you’d just like to get ahead and plan for the future, we would be happy to go through your options at a time that is convenient for you.

Book Your Free Renewal Review

PFAS: Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • Not all PFAS are the same. Two groups that are particularly relevant to firefighting foams are often referred to as C8 and C6 PFAS, based on the length of their fluorinated carbon chain.

    C8 PFAS, such as PFOA, have already been heavily restricted and PFOA has been banned under the EU Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation since 2020.

    C6 PFAS, such as PFHxA, were introduced in part as alternatives to longer-chain PFAS. However, concerns about their persistence and environmental impact have also led to increasing regulation. Restrictions on PFHxA have already started to apply to certain uses, and further restrictions on PFAS-containing firefighting foams are coming into force.

    For firefighting extinguishers, the direction of regulation is clear: the use of PFAS is being phased out rather than simply moving from C8 to C6.

    That is why choosing a genuinely PFAS-free extinguisher provides a more future-proof solution, rather than replacing one type of PFAS with another.

    Eastern Extinguishers' P50 range uses PFAS-free foam, meaning it does not rely on either C8 or C6 PFAS.

  • No. If your extinguishers remain compliant and are within their approved service life, there is currently no requirement to replace them simply because they contain PFAS.

    However, as regulations continue to evolve, many organisations are choosing to review their long-term replacement strategy now. Planning ahead can help avoid future disruption and allow replacement programmes to be scheduled around budgets and operational requirements.

    An exception to this is if your extinguishers contain C8 PFAS (PFOA).
    These chemicals have already been subject to regulatory restrictions. If you're unsure whether your extinguishers contain C8 PFAS, we can help identify the foam formulation and advise whether any action is required.

  • It isn't always possible to tell from the extinguisher label alone. Whether a foam extinguisher contains PFAS depends on the type of foam concentrate used and when it was manufactured.

    For example, some older foam extinguishers may contain C8 PFAS (PFOA), which has already been subject to regulatory restrictions, while others may contain different PFAS compounds that are the focus of proposed future restrictions.

    If you're unsure what type of foam your extinguishers contain, we're happy to help. We can review your existing equipment, identify whether PFAS are likely to be present and advise on the most appropriate next steps based on the current regulatory position.

  • PFAS are a group of chemicals used in a wide range of products, including some firefighting foams. UK and European regulators are continuing to review restrictions on their manufacture, sale and use because of concerns about their persistence in the environment.

    The exact timing and scope of future legislation are still being developed, but many organisations are beginning to prepare for potential changes.

  • Every organisation's circumstances are different.

    Some customers choose to replace earlier because they want to:

    • Plan budgets over several years.

    • Move to PFAS-free alternatives.

    • Support sustainability or ESG objectives.

    • Avoid uncertainty around future regulations.

    • Standardise equipment across multiple sites.

    For others, continuing to use their existing extinguishers until the end of their service life remains the right decision.

  • Yes.

    Our latest P50 ECO Foam extinguishers (and others in the P50 range) are completely PFAS free while still providing excellent fire performance. They also offer the well-known benefits of the P50 range, including no annual engineer servicing, up to a 20-year service life and reduced maintenance costs.

  • A renewal review is an informal conversation with Craig, our Strategic Sales Director.

    He'll review your current extinguisher provision, discuss any potential impact of future PFAS restrictions, explain the options available and help you decide whether replacing now or waiting until your planned renewal date is the most appropriate approach for your organisation.

    There is no obligation to purchase.

  • No.

    Our advice is based on your individual circumstances, not a one-size-fits-all approach. If your existing extinguishers remain the most appropriate solution, we'll tell you. Our aim is to help you make an informed decision based on current regulations, your operational needs and your long-term plans.