By CASC4DE March 21, 2025
A Deep Dive into the INERIS Report on Firefighting Foam Contamination
In December 2024, INERIS (France’s National Institute for Industrial Environment and Risks) published a comprehensive study examining PFAS contamination at two highly impacted sites:
- A firefighter training ground
- An industrial site where firefighting foams had been used extensively
🔬 The results are sobering: both soils and groundwater are heavily polluted, revealing a much broader spectrum of PFAS contamination than typically measured.
👉 Read the full INERIS report (in French)
🧪 What Are PFAS and Why Should We Care?
PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals used in a wide range of industrial applications and consumer products (e.g. non-stick cookware, textiles, firefighting foams). Often called “forever chemicals”, they are extremely persistent in the environment and toxic even at low concentrations.
Health risks include:
- Endocrine disruption
- Developmental issues
- Increased cancer risk
They also bioaccumulate, meaning their levels increase over time in the environment and in living organisms.
🔍 Key Takeaways from the Study
1. Regulated PFAS Are Just the Tip of the Iceberg
The study focused on the 20 PFAS substances currently regulated by the EU Drinking Water Directive:
- 10 PFCAs (Perfluorocarboxylic acids)
- 10 PFSAs (Perfluorosulfonic acids)
🧯 But these account for only 33% to 61% of the total PFAS contamination detected on site.
2. The Missing Link: Fluorotelomers (FTS)
Up to 95% of the total PFAS burden came from fluorotelomer-based compounds, which are not currently included in routine monitoring protocols.
📌 In particular, compounds like 6:2 FTAB are mentioned in the literature as key indicators that could enhance the understanding of PFAS spread in contaminated soils.
3. Underestimated Groundwater Risk
PFAS leach from soils into groundwater, a vital resource for drinking and agriculture. Standard monitoring might miss the majority of pollutants, especially precursor compounds that degrade into toxic end products over time.
💡 CASC4DE’s Non-Targeted PFAS Analysis
At CASC4DE, we’ve developed an innovative, non-targeted approach to PFAS analysis using advanced NMR and mass spectrometry techniques.
Unlike conventional methods that focus only on the 20 regulated substances, our solution:
- ✅ Captures a broad spectrum of PFAS, including unknown or emerging compounds
- ✅ Provides a realistic, in-depth picture of contamination
- ✅ Supports better risk assessment and data-driven remediation strategies
- ✅ Helps industries and municipalities prepare for future regulations
📈 What This Means for Risk Management
With the upcoming tightening of environmental regulations across the EU, having a clear and complete picture of PFAS pollution is crucial.
CASC4DE helps stakeholders:
- Anticipate regulatory shifts
- Protect water resources
- Implement cost-effective clean-up measures
- Build trust through transparency and scientific evidence