PFAS and the Future of Gaseous Clean Agents

PFAS and the Future of Gaseous Clean Agents

Presented by:  Al Thornton, The Chemours Company

Al Thornton will review the present state of PFAS issues for fire suppression and how that may impact the use of gaseous clean agents in the US market and abroad.

Mr. Thornton has the pleasure to chair the FSSA PFAS Task Force, a large volunteer committee created by the FSSA board to address growing member questions, concerns, and issues surrounding the use and application of PFAS materials in fire suppression. The Task Force is divided into four groups: Science of PFAS, Regulations, Industry Relations, and a Communications team. 

Mr. Thornton has been engaged with the development, use, and application of fluorinated gases for more than 30 years. He is well recognized across the globe as an authority for these products and sits on a variety of code and standard bodies, as well as various industry trade associations, including as past president and board member of the Fire Suppression Systems Association [FSSA], Chairman of the Halon Alternatives Research Corporation [HARC], NFPA GFE-AAA Technical Committee [NFPA 2001, 12 and 12A], NFPA CUL-AAA Technical Committee [NFPA 909 & NFPA 914 Cultural Property and Historic Structures Protection], and the ISO 14520 Clean Agent Standard for Gaseous Fire Systems.

As global market segment leader for Chemours, Al Thornton provides global direction for marketing, sales, business, and technical matters for the Chemours Fire Extinguishing Products, Aerosol Propellants, Pharmaceutical, and Electronic Gas business platforms.