Studies have shown that PFOS is a persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic pollutant.[3]​[4][5]​ It was added to Annex B of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants in May 2009.[6]​ Regulations in the United States, Canada, the European Union, Australia and Japan have prohibited new production. of PFOS-based products, including firefighting foams.[7]​ 3M phased out production of PFOS in 2002 due to toxicity concerns.[8]​.

One study, published in 2015, found that firefighters were more likely to have fluorinated surfactants in their bloodstream.[9]​ In 2016, the United States Air Force paid $4.3 million for a water treatment system for residents downstream of Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado.[10][11]​.

In the United States, discharges of AFFF by vessels to surface waters are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Department of Defense, in accordance with the Clean Water Act.[12][13]​.

In Australia in 2015, the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority issued a public safety announcement following contamination of a water source near the RAAF base at Williamtown. Surface water, groundwater and fish were reported to contain chemicals from firefighting foams that had been released by the local Royal Australian Air Force base prior to changes to training protocol in 2008.[14] Residents in the area were advised not to consume any caliber. water, as well as eggs and shellfish from fauna exposed to contaminated water.[15]​ The discovery led to a ban on all forms of fishing in the waters of Fullerton Cove until early October 2016.[16][17]​.

As of 2017, the Department of Defense is dealing with two class action lawsuits brought by those affected by contamination at Williamtown and at the Army Aviation Center Oakey.[18]​[19]​ Along with many airports and fire services, the Department of Defense is investigating possible contamination at 18 military sites in Australia.[20]​ At Williamtown, it is also conducting studies on uptake and residual contamination in plants, chickens and eggs.[21]​.

In December 2017, New Zealand's Environment Minister announced that higher than acceptable levels of PFOS and PFOA were found in groundwater at two Royal New Zealand Air Force bases, believed to be due to historical use of firefighting foam containing the substances. Residents living near the air bases were told to drink bottled water until more extensive testing could be carried out.

In 2020, state government agencies across the US plan to dispose of firefighting foam, either through incineration or landfill. States will dispose of nearly 1 million US gallons (3,800 kl) of foam. EPA and state agencies are still investigating the potential health risks of incinerating AFFF.[24]​.