Are there PFAS in Fire Extinguishers? Will a spray give me cancer from PFAS?

As a mom who’s always hunting for Fire Extinguishers with no PFAS or Fire Extinguishers without forever chemicals, I’ve rolled up my sleeves and dug into the science behind these stubborn substances lurking in some firefighting gear. Spoiler alert: yes, PFAS can be found in certain fire extinguishers—but getting sprayed once doesn’t automatically mean you’re signing up for cancer. Let’s break it down, science mom style!

What the heck are PFAS and why are they in some fire extinguishers?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a family of man-made chemicals famed for their water- and grease-repelling superpowers. They earned the nickname “forever chemicals” because they refuse to break down easily—whether in the environment or our bodies—which makes them a health and environmental headache. So naturally, I try to steer clear wherever I can.

Now, some fire extinguishers use something called aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) to tackle liquid fuel fires—think gasoline or oil fires, also known as Class B fires. This foam works like magic, smothering flames quickly, which is why it’s a favorite in airports, military bases, and industrial sites. But here’s the catch: AFFF often contains PFAS. Want to geek out more on PFAS and safer alternatives? Check out PFAS Free Life.

Which fire extinguishers have PFAS lurking in them?

• AFFF-based extinguishers: These bad boys contain PFAS as active ingredients to fight fuel fires. You’ll mostly find them in specialized places like military bases or airports. For more info on the risks of AFFF foams, visit Clean Water Action and USFA’s blog on firefighting foams.

• Standard extinguishers: Dry chemical, CO₂, or plain old water-based extinguishers usually don’t have PFAS unless they’re specifically made to tackle flammable liquid fires.

Should I freak out if I get sprayed by a PFAS-containing extinguisher?

Phew! The good news is that a single accidental spray won’t likely cause immediate harm or cancer. The real concern is chronic exposure—like firefighters or military folks who deal with AFFF foams regularly over many years. Studies show this group has higher rates of kidney, testicular, prostate, and other cancers. The evidence is backed up by research highlighted at Consumer Notice and ELG Law.

PFAS are persistent and bioaccumulative—meaning they pile up in your body and the environment over time. That’s why many countries are phasing out firefighting products containing these forever chemicals, as explained by the EPA Ireland factsheet and the Mesothelioma Veterans Center.

What should you do if you get sprayed?

1. Rinse your skin right away with lots of water to wash off any chemical residue.
2. Talk to a healthcare professional if you’re concerned or if you notice any symptoms.
3. Check your extinguisher’s label—if it meets military specs like MIL-PRF-24385, it probably contains PFAS. For more info, see TCM Law Office.

Why does long-term exposure matter so much?

Both the EPA and CDC agree: PFAS are hazardous chemicals with health risks that ramp up the longer they stick around in your body. Firefighters using AFFF regularly have been found to face a 9-14% higher cancer risk than average, according to Public Health Watch and TorHoerman Law.

So what’s the bottom line? Getting sprayed once by a fire extinguisher containing PFAS isn’t an express ticket to cancer-ville. But as a savvy mom who cares about family health (and loves reading labels), I always recommend avoiding repeated exposure and opting for Fire Extinguishers without forever chemicals whenever possible. After all, protecting our families means knowing what’s inside the products we trust—and sometimes that means digging into the fine print and choosing wisely.

For more tips on living PFAS-free and making safer choices, swing by PFAS Free Life. Stay safe and science-savvy out there!