This fact sheet contains information about what to do if fire retardants have been used on your property and may have affected your private drinking water supply.
Fire retardants are used to slow the spread or intensity of a fire. They help fire fighters on the ground to control and contain a fire and help protect properties. Fire retardants may also be dropped from aircraft during firefighting operations. Sometimes a red coloured pigment, made from iron oxide, is added so that those spraying can see where they have released the fire retardant.
Fire retardants consist of detergent chemicals made from a combination of wetting agents and foaming chemicals, fertilisers (ammonium and diammonium sulfate and ammonium phosphate) mixed with thickeners (guar gum) and corrosion inhibitors (for aircraft safety). They are mixed with water to form a foam or slurry. Examples include, Angus Forexpan S and Phos-Chek WD-881, Phos- Chek D75-F and Phos-Chek D75-R.
Fire retardants are mixed with water before they are used in the environment. After the water has completely evaporated, the remaining chemical residue retards vegetation or other materials from igniting, until it is removed by rain or erosion. Fire retardants also work by binding to plant material (cellulose) and preventing combustion.
The fire retardants currently used in Australia are of low toxicity. Testing shows these chemicals can produce minor irritant effects before they are mixed with water. The concentrated powder may cause minor respiratory irritation to workers who are handling it. Gels can irritate eyes, airways and the skin. Workers are required to wear gloves, goggles and dust masks when handling the powder. Risk assessments carried out in the United States and in Victoria demonstrated that the risk of health effects was very low, even to people who are accidentally exposed to the fire retardants during their application. The health risk from drinking rain water contaminated with fire retardants is also low, but the water may taste and smell unpleasant and consumption should be avoided.
If eye contact occurs, rinse eyes with fresh water continuously for several minutes until all contaminant is washed out; if symptoms develop or persist, seek medical attention. If swallowed, rinse your mouth out with fresh water; then consult a doctor. If skin contact occurs wash the affected area with soap and water. For further information call the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
The most effective way to prevent contamination of your water tank is to ensure that your tank is properly sealed.
If the fire retardant does enter your water tank:
For your comfort, when cleaning surfaces be sure to wear protective equipment such as safety glasses, disposable gloves and a disposable face mask. If aerial fire retardant or fire-fighting foam residue is present on the house and/or cars, use a mild detergent with water and brushes to scrub and dilute the dried residue and flush it from the surfaces. Rinse with clean water.
Further information on the maintenance of rainwater tanks can be found on Rainwater tanks.
NSW Health acknowledges the contribution of the NSW Rural Fire Service and the Victorian Department of Human Services in the preparation of this material.