As awareness grows about the possible negative environmental and human health impacts of “PFAS”, aka “forever chemicals,” more people are looking for ways to remove them from their everyday lives. One of the biggest offenders, however, is (thankfully) not a part of most people’s everyday lives, but it’s absolutely essential when it is needed – firefighting foam. Now, firefighters have a soy-flour-based alternative to those potentially dangerous chemical foams – “SoyFoam.”
For those still not familiar with PFAS, this refers to a group of chemicals known as “per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.” They are more commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” because they are long-lasting and break down very slowly over time. Due to their widespread use and persistence, they can accumulate in the environment, including plants, animals, and water, as well as human tissues. In fact, the chemicals have been detected virtually everywhere on Earth, including human blood and brains.
There is firm evidence that at least one of the more than 4,000 PFAS chemicals causes cancer. The chemicals are also tied to increased rates of obesity, thyroid, liver, and kidney disease, higher cholesterol, low birthweight, and infertility. The US Environmental Agency (EPA) says it is continuing to review the growing body of research about PFAS chemicals, but “research suggests they may lead to adverse health outcomes.”
Unlike traditional firefighting foams, SoyFoam contains no PFAS. It also meets National Fire Protection Association 18 (NFPA 18) standards for wetting agents and has demonstrated vapor suppression on a variety of Class B hydrocarbon fuel sources and Class A woodland materials, per the company.
SoyFoam is made by “Cross Plains Solutions” and CEO Alan Snipes estimates the product is now being used in some 50 fire departments, mostly in the Midwest. Snipes also notes that many of those departments are staffed by volunteer firefighters, and a good share of those happen to be soybean farmers. Cross Plains created the foam after being approached by the United Soybean Board
SoyFoam distributor PK Foam Solutions partnered with the Michigan Soybean Committee earlier this summer to host a demo for firefighters around the area. PK Foam is headed by Patrick Butler, who is himself a firefighter and a cancer survivor. “They’ve determined that PFAS causes cancer, and after battling bladder cancer for three years and being declared cancer-free just last week, I can say with confidence that this product is needed in the firefighting industry,” said Butler.
SoyFoam is also good for soybean farmers as it essentially creates a new market for soymeal. Each 55-gallon drum of SoyFoam contains 2.5 bushels (over 150 pounds) of soybeans. The foam is certified “USDA BioPreferred“ and is completely biodegradable. Importantly, it has no special handling instructions and can be used with existing firefighting equipment. The company created an interesting video explaining more about SoyFoam and some of the unique needs of rural fire departments, which is available HERE. Learn more at their website HERE.
