Portable fire extinguishers fulfil an important function in fire protection, e.g. in residential and commercial buildings, vehicles and aircraft. Firefighting operations, exercises, leaks or improper disposal can cause extinguishing agents to enter the environment and pollute bodies of water and the soil. It is thus all the more important when selecting fire extinguishers to pay attention to products that are as low in pollutants as possible and contain environmentally friendly extinguishing agents.
A key aspect of the criteria for the Blue Angel ecolabel is the absence of fluorinated organic compounds, in particular PFAS. Due to their high persistence and mobility in the environment, these substances are also often known as ‘forever chemicals’. The certified Minimax fire extinguishers do not contain any PFAS at all. They also use surfactants that are classified as readily biodegradable according to OECD standard tests. As a result, they help to reduce the potential environmental impact of extinguishing agents.
Alongside the composition of the extinguishing agents, the Blue Angel also takes into account their longevity and thus the prevention of unnecessary emissions into the environment. The certified fire extinguishers are designed for a long service life and ease of maintenance. An organised take-back system also supports the proper handling of extinguishing agents that can no longer be used.