3M Company recently issued a release stating the company’s intention to exit per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) manufacturing and work to discontinue the use of PFAS across its product portfolio by the end of 2025.  This was a business decision by 3M and will include the manufacturing of its 3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid - which is 3M’s trademarked-version of the FK-5-1-12 fire suppression agent.

In the release, 3M states that “PFAS can be safely made and used” and its “products are safe for their intended use.” The company commits to facilitating an orderly transition for customers. The announcement does pledge 3M will fulfill its current contractual obligations.

To: State and Local Building Officials, Fire Marshals, and other Local Authorities
From: The Fire Suppression Systems Association

The Fire Suppression Systems Association (FSSA) is a membership organization composed of manufacturers, installers, and professionals engaged in the application of fire suppression systems and other fire extinguishing technologies. The FSSA is very concerned with the severity of fires and explosions occurring in battery energy storage systems (BESS) using new battery technologies. Our members have collectively witnessed severe disruptions due to fires originating in these systems.