Firefighters like Jeff King are on the frontlines every day, risking their lives to keep others safe. But what many may not realize is that the very tools they use to fight fires could be putting their health at risk. Many firefighting foams contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and their harmful effects on human health.
Jeff King, a veteran firefighter from Corydon, Kentucky, has been using these foams for over 30 years. Concerned about the potential health risks, King sought out a PFAS-free alternative and found one in a soy-based firefighting foam developed by Cross Plains Solutions. Impressed with the performance of the foam and its certification as PFAS-free, King saw it as a no-brainer to switch to a safer option.
As a soybean farmer himself, King also saw the potential benefits for his business in promoting a soy-based product. The development of soy-based firefighting foams is a relatively new initiative, spurred by growing research on the harmful impacts of PFAS chemicals. Cross Plains Solutions, in collaboration with the United Soybean Board, has been at the forefront of this innovation, creating SoyFoam as a sustainable alternative to traditional foams.
Alan Snipes, CEO of Cross Plains Solutions, noted that there has been a significant interest in SoyFoam from fire departments across the country, especially in rural areas where volunteer firefighters are prevalent. This interest is not just driven by the health benefits of using a PFAS-free foam but also by the economic opportunities it presents to soybean farmers.
The United Soybean Board, through its soybean checkoff program, has been instrumental in funding research and development of new uses for soybeans. This partnership with companies like Cross Plains Solutions aims to create sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-based products, benefiting both farmers and the environment.
While SoyFoam and other PFAS-free firefighting foams show promise, they still face challenges in meeting the stringent requirements set by the Department of Defense for military firefighting activities. The military has been a major user of PFAS-containing foams, leading to widespread contamination in military bases and surrounding areas. Transitioning away from PFAS-containing foams is crucial to protecting the health of firefighters and the environment.
As firefighters like Jeff King continue to advocate for safer alternatives, the development of soy-based firefighting foams represents a step towards a more sustainable and healthier future for all. With ongoing research and innovation, soy-based products could revolutionize the firefighting industry and pave the way for a more environmentally conscious approach to fire suppression. The Pentagon has not conducted any testing on Cross Plain Solutions’ product, but they have expressed their support for the company to seek additional funding for further research and development. Despite reaching out to the Department of Defense for comments, there has been no response to inquiries from Grist.
Dr. Ibrahim, a proponent of bio-based, PFAS-free foams, emphasized the importance of transparency in product composition. He stressed the need for companies to provide more information about the components used in their products, in order to determine if they are truly superior to PFAS-based firefighting foams. While SoyFoam, the product developed by Cross Plain Solutions, claims to be made from ingredients found in a typical pantry, specific details regarding its components remain proprietary.
It is crucial for companies to be forthcoming about the materials used in their products, especially when promoting them as environmentally friendly alternatives. Consumers and regulatory agencies alike need to have a clear understanding of the composition and efficacy of these products in comparison to traditional options. As the demand for sustainable solutions continues to grow, transparency and accountability in product development will be key in ensuring the success and acceptance of these innovations.
