PFASPFAS at Schiphol

It is found in non-stick pans, clothing, paint, food packaging, cosmetics and pesticides. The use of these products has led to Poly- and PerfluoroAlkyl Substances (PFAS) in the environment throughout the Netherlands. In the 1960s, this invention was hailed for its resistance to water, grease and oil. In the meantime, we are learning more and more about the downsides. PFAS can be harmful to the environment and health.

How PFAS ended up in the environment at Schiphol

Schiphol is not a producer of PFAS. Environmental contamination is due to firefighters' use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam. This extinguishing foam proved to be very suitable for extinguishing liquid fires and became the standard for fire departments around the world. From 1985, it was prescribed at airports for liquid fires. Due to the superior extinguishing effect, the fire brigade was able to extinguish an aircraft fire in no time. We no longer use PFAS-containing firefighting foam at Schiphol. It has not been used for exercises since the 1990s, and immediately after the rules were changed in 2020, it has not been used for incidents either.