Climate change is causing an increase in more intense and aggressive wildfires in the SUDOE region (Spain, Portugal, and France). The 2022 wildfires severely affected natural parks and protected areas, endangering biodiversity and ecosystems.
To fight these fires, the use of fire-fighting foams containing flame retardants has increased. However, these foams contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known as “forever chemicals”, which are highly persistent, mobile, and harmful to both human health and the environment.
The impact of PFAS on the environment
- Persistence and toxicity: PFAS do not easily degrade and remain in the soil, water, and air.
- Contamination cycle:
- They seep into the soil and reach water sources.
- They transform into fluorinated gases released into the atmosphere.
- They contribute to global warming and climate change.
- As they degrade in the atmosphere, they return to the soil and water through acid rain.
This cycle perpetuates pollution and worsens the climate crisis.
The solution: ALERT-PFAS
🔎 Main objective:
To design and implement a transnational strategy to detect, prevent, and mitigate PFAS contamination in natural spaces across the SUDOE region.
✅ How do we achieve this?
- We develop an innovative solution to detect and monitor PFAS in real time.
- We implement advanced technologies to prevent these compounds from contaminating water, soil, and air.
- We conduct pilot actions in natural parks and protected areas in Spain, Portugal, and France.
📌 The project brings together a partnership of 10 beneficiaries and 12 associates from the three countries.
Who is ALERT-PFAS for?
🏞️ Public authorities and natural park managers.
💧 Water management companies.
🚒 Firefighting and civil protection organizations.
👥 The public and key stakeholders in environmental management.
ALERT-PFAS aims to raise awareness and train all these actors to create a lasting impact on environmental conservation and the fight against climate change.
