Which type of fire extinguisher is known for being environmentally friendly?

Water-based extinguishers are recognized for their environmentally friendly properties because they primarily utilize water as their extinguishing agent. Water is a natural substance that does not introduce harmful chemicals into the environment, making it one of the safest options available. These extinguishers are effective on Class A fires, which involve ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, and cloth.

In contrast, although carbon dioxide extinguishers have a low environmental impact since CO2 is naturally occurring, they are not as universally applicable for all types of fires and can contribute to atmospheric greenhouse gas levels when used in large quantities. Foam-based extinguishers can also have environmental effects due to the chemical compounds present in some foams. Dry chemical extinguishers contain various chemical agents that can be harmful to the environment and have the potential to contaminate water sources. Therefore, water-based extinguishers stand out as the most environmentally friendly option among the various types of extinguishers.