US urges airports to avoid using firefighting foam with fluorine

The FAA said Monday it had urged US airports to limit the use of firefighting foam with the chemical PFAS due to the environmental and public health risks as it evaluates possible alternatives. PFAS, nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily, have been associated with various illnesses including kidney cancer. They have been used for decades in household products such as nonstick cookware, stain- and water-resistant textiles, rugs, food packaging, photo imaging, and in industrial products. Many states have already outlawed their use in food packaging. The FAA said more than 400 research tests have been completed which evaluated 15 fluorine-free firefighting foam products. The FAA said it “expects a replacement product to be identified and eventually adopted.” The FAA and Defense Department have been researching alternatives to extinguish a fuel fire or other emergencies.<br/>