Quality foams exhibit excellent storage characteristics. For example, most AFFF manufacturers offer at least a 10 year life for products stored in original and unopened containers.

However a foam's performance can be compromised by:

• Dilution
• Contamination
• Extremes of temperature

For these reasons NFPA11, BS5306, UKOOA/HSE recommend that:

"Foam concentrates and produced foams should be tested on at least an annual basis."

For further information see the following links: