PFAS regulations are evolving fast, and the stakes for the fire protection industry are high. As clean agent fire suppression systems fall under increased scrutiny, understanding the difference between U.S. and European regulatory approaches to PFAS can mean the difference between compliance and confusion, continuity and costly disruption.

The term PFAS has become something of a catch-all villain in recent years—whisper it in the halls of regulation, and you might as well sound an alarm. From headlines about “forever chemicals” to billion-dollar lawsuits, the conversation around PFAS has grown louder and more urgent. But as with any subject this complex, volume does not always equal clarity.

The fire protection industry is at a crossroads. With increasing regulatory scrutiny, shifting environmental standards, and new technologies transforming operations, companies must navigate change strategically to protect both people and profits.