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Leadership Symposium Series

ELEC-309: PFAS and F3 Transition Update

Wednesday, August 14, 2024
3:15 PM – 4:15 PM  
Location: C142
This class will cover the characteristics of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) and why the dangerous per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) must be replaced to reduce firefighters' carcinogenic exposure. Information will be provided detailing the timeline of how the aircraft firefighting industry is transitioning away from AFFF to a safer fluorine-free foam (F3). Best practices for the decontamination of vehicles and disposal of AFFF will be discussed. The instructor(s) will share their experience with efforts to transition to F3 foam at a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) indexed airport and provide possible funding sources.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the Nature of PFAS: -Define PFAS and list common types (e.g., PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, GenX). -Explain the chemical properties of PFAS that contribute to their stability and widespread use.
  • Identify Health Concerns Associated with PFAS: -Describe the health risks related to PFAS exposure, including cancer, cholesterol level changes, metabolic disorders,etc. -Understand the implications of PFAS bioaccumulation and biomagnification in human health.
  • Explore the Transition to Fluorine-Free Foam (F3): -Summarize the legislative and regulatory efforts driving the transition to F3, including the Congressional mandate and FAA guidelines. -Understand the steps in transitioning from AFFF to F3, including system cleaning, disposal, and certification processes.