For decades, aviation firefighting foams containing PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—have played a critical role in protecting aircraft, passengers, and airport communities from catastrophic fires. These foams have saved lives. They have been an essential part of our fire safety toolkit.
But science has also revealed another side to the story. PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” persists in the environment, accumulates in ecosystems, and poses significant risks to human health. What once served as a solution has become a source of contamination—in our water, in our soil, and ultimately, in our bodies.
It is because of the above adverse effect that UNEP and ICAO came up with the Fortifying Infrastructure for Responsible Extinguishments (FIRE) project to phase out PFAS and replace the same with Fluorine Free Foams (F3) in Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt, South Africa and Nigeria as beneficiary countries. Fortunately, Kenya already transitioned to F3 foams while the rest still use PFAS foams. To this effect, the project will install a firefighting simulator and help safely dispose of the many liters of PFAS in store.
- Log in to post comments