LAX, Van Nuys Airport remove foam containing harmful chemicals from fire fighting fleet

A project intended to remove firefighting foam containing harmful chemicals from a fleet of aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicles at the city's two airports is nearing completion, officials announced Friday.

Some 14 aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles at Los Angeles International Airport and Van Nuys Airport are undergoing a removal process to get rid of the foam containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, and replace it with fluorine-free foam. Los Angeles World Airport officials say the project will reduce the use of PFAS by 99%, and minimize potential exposure to these harmful chemicals for both firefighters and the environment.

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Fluorine-free foam, or F3, is also used for firefighting and does not contain PFAS, according to Federal Emergency Management Agency. The substance works by cutting off oxygen from a fire and cooling the area.

"This transition underscores our unwavering commitment to the safety of our operations and emergency response community, as well as our dedication to environmental stewardship," John Ackerman, CEO at Los Angeles World Airports, said in a statement.

"By taking this proactive step and collaborating with a deep bench of subject matter experts, from the remediation team to the Los Angeles Fire Department, we're setting a new standard for airports in California and across the nation," he continued.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, PFAS are widely used long-lasting chemicals which take years to break down. Scientific studies have shown that exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals, such as the following:

-- Decrease in fertility or increased high blood pressure in pregnant women;

-- Developmental effects or delays in children, including low birth weight, accelerated puberty or behavioral changes; and

-- An increase in some cancers.

LAWA's project to move away from firefighting foam containing PFAS is in alignment with the Federal Aviation Administration's recommendations and new state and federal regulations.

"This transition enhances our operational readiness while prioritizing the long-term health and safety of our firefighters," LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley said in a statement. "We're proud to be at the forefront of this important change in our industry, knowing that we're reducing the risk of PFAS exposure for our firefighters and our areas of responsibility that we serve."

TRS Group, Inc., a contractor that deals in environmental remediation, is leading the project, according to LAWA. Ocean Blue Environmental is handling the disposal of PFAS materials.

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