Theater Smoke Machines Were Found To Be Contaminated With PFAS From Fluorinated Glycol Fluids

Stage fog and haze machines used in entertainment venues are producing PFAS aerosols from fluorinated glycol fluids, which are polluting the air inside and the water systems nearby

Sunday, October 12, 2025 - New environmental tests show that what seems like harmless stage smoke floating through a theater or music hall may actually contain harmful PFAS chemicals. Researchers have found per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the glycol-based fluids that are utilized to provide fog and haze effects in live shows. These forever chemicals are added to the fluids to make them last longer and resist breaking down when heated. However, when heated, they can leak tiny PFAS particles into the air and the environment around them. Those pollutants settle on surfaces, build up in HVAC filters, and then wash into storm drains when the area is cleansed. PFAS don't break down on their own, thus they can move via wastewater pipes and pollute waterways or groundwater near entertainment centers. Scientists say this is one of the most surprising new ways that people can be exposed to PFAS indoors, especially workers who use fog machines in theaters, film studios, and nightclubs. People who run venues used to think that water-based smoke effects were safe alternatives to fireworks, but now they know that the chemical coatings used to keep the fog fluids stable may have long-term health impacts. Some event companies have contacted a PFAS water pollution lawyer to find out if outdated fog machines or chemical suppliers could be held responsible for people accidentally coming into contact with the chemicals. This is because they are worried about respiratory irritation and the higher cancer risk from PFAS water contamination.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that PFAS compounds can stay in the air for a long time and stick to small particles, which makes them easier to spread indoors. Testing of used fog fluid from theater maintenance facilities discovered measurable levels of PFAS, which confirms that fluorinated compounds are present in both the liquid and vaporized mist. When people clean fog machines, they commonly throw the excess fluid down floor drains or outside into dumpsters. Both of these routes lead to contamination of sewer or stormwater systems. The EPA says that most wastewater treatment plants don't have the technology to filter out these chemicals once they get there. Environmental labs have also found PFAS in filters and ventilation ducts in buildings where fog machines are used a lot.

PFAS rules cover more than just manufacturing and industry. They will also cover entertainment and commercial leisure. Companies that make fog machine fluid will have to show that their products don't contain any long-lasting contaminants. Venues may also have to keep records of their chemical safety standards as part of their operating permits. Green performance certifications might start to include standards for air quality and wastewater management that are related to the usage of PFAS. Engineers are testing plant-based glycol mixes that can make the same visual effects without fluorinated stabilizers, which is a more environmentally friendly way to go.

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