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PFAS

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What are PFAS?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are human-made chemicals that have been extensively used around the world in a variety of applications since the 1940’s.
PFAS are found in products like some non-stick cookware, food packaging, carpeting, furniture and waterproof clothing.
PFAS has also been a mandated component in firefighting foam, also known as Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), required to be used at commercial airports, including SBA, to quickly suppress fuel fires.
PFAS are highly durable, meaning they don't easily break down in the environment.

Federal regulations required SBA, like all commercial airports, to use PFAS-containing foams because of their proven effectiveness in quickly suppressing flammable liquid fires, particularly those involving jet fuel.
As a result, airports had no choice but to use AFFF containing PFAS to comply with federal laws and ensure public safety during aviation emergencies.
SBA used PFAS to quickly suppress fuel fires and for required equipment testing and firefighting training exercises to ensure that first responders were in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements and prepared for emergencies.

In December 2022, Congress directed the FAA to develop a plan for airports to transition from using AFFF to a replacement firefighting foam (fluorine-free foam or F3) that does not contain PFAS.
In January 2023, after extensive testing, the FAA announced that F3 could be used as a fire-extinguishing agent at airports served by airlines once products had been certified. In September 2023, the FAA certified the first F3 that could be used at airports.

To assess the presence of PFAS from the mandated use of AFFF, SBA has hired experts to conduct extensive investigation and monitoring of the airport property.
SBA ceased deployment of AFFF for equipment testing and firefighter training exercises more than five years ago.
SBA is among the first California airports to purchase the new F3 foam once it had been certified by the FAA in September 2023.
The transition from AFFF to F3 is complex and SBA is committed to a safe transition. SBA is working with other airports to find the preferred transition method while implementing the most rigorous safety and environmental standards for that transition.
SBA has committed to working with regulators and our community to identify, monitor, and address PFAS associated with the airport property.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there is evidence that exposure to certain types of PFAS may lead to adverse health outcomes to humans. Testing is ongoing to more fully understand the potential impacts to health from various types of PFAS.
Exposure to PFAS can happen in a variety of ways including through food, water, soil, and consumer products. Once ingested, some PFAS can accumulate in the body. Research shows that the majority of Americans have detectable levels of some PFAS in their blood.

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