The earlier use of perfluorinated compounds (including PFOS) in firefighting foam has polluted the soil around four fire training areas in Norway. SFT will ensure that necessary clean up measures are carried out and that other fire training areas where such foam has been used are reviewed. In Norway, the use of PFOS in firefighting foam has been prohibited since 2007, but it is not yet clear whether the earlier use of foam containing PFOS may represent a pollution hazard.

Bioforsk was commissioned by the Norwegian Pollution Control Authority (Statens forurensningstilsyn, SFT) to investigate environmental conditions following the use of foam containing PFOS at fire training areas.

The results indicate high concentrations of PFOS in places at the four fire training areas, but the extent of its dispersion and the environmental consequences have not yet been established. Even so, the survey shows that many areas where foam containing PFOS has been used may be substantially polluted.

"We will ensure as soon as possible that those responsible investigate fire training areas in Norway where foam containing PFOS has been used. If a clean up proves to be necessary, we will also ensure that suitable measures are taken," says SFT Director General Ellen Hambro.

Perfluorooctane Sulphonate (PFOS)

• belongs to a group of chemicals known as Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs).
• has unique water and oil repellent properties. Very slowly degradable and therefore persists for a long period in nature.
• is toxic with repeated exposure and has shown reproductively harmful effects in mammals.
• is toxic to marine organisms and may cause undesirable long term effects in marine environments.
• In Norway the use of PFOS in firefighting foam was prohibited in 2007, although it is still permitted in the EU.