Countdown to Compliance: PFOA Firefighting Foam Ban Enters Final Phase
From 4 July 2025, the use of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in firefighting foams will be fully prohibited across Ireland and the EU, marking a major regulatory milestone in the control of persistent and hazardous chemicals.
This regulatory shift—outlined by the EPA and based on EU-wide restrictions on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)—targets the phase-out of AFFF products that can contaminate groundwater, soil, and ecosystems.
What is PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of human-made chemicals used in products that resist heat, oil, stains, and water—like firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, and waterproof textiles.
PFAS are often called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment and can build up in the human body over time. Some types, like PFOA and PFOS, have been linked to health risks including cancer, liver damage, and immune system effects, and are now tightly regulated or banned in many countries
How Eurofins Supports You
At Eurofins Environment Testing Ireland, we deliver a complete package of services to help organisations prepare for compliance:
- PFAS Testing & Analysis: In collaboration with our colleagues at Eurofins Sweden – a PFAS Centre of Excellence, we offer state-of-the-art testing for a wide range of PFAS compounds, including PFOA, PFOS, and their precursors. Their specialist expertise enables ultra-trace detection and robust reporting aligned with regulatory standards.
- Site Investigation & Risk Assessment: We assess potential PFAS contamination at fire training sites, industrial facilities, and storage locations.
- Inventory & Compliance Support: Our team helps clients identify and test existing foam stocks, ensure containment of releases (as required since Jan 2023), and meet annual EPA notification obligations for stocks over 50 kg.
- Transition Advisory: We assist in evaluating and verifying PFAS-free firefighting foams, helping organisations transition to safer, sustainable alternatives.
At Eurofins we are committed to protecting both public health and the environment by combining local knowledge with access to international expertise. Eurofins provides dependable support for clients navigating this important regulatory shift
👉 Learn more about the regulation on the EPA’s official page.