Exposure to “forever chemicals” has increased cases of cancer among firefighters. The newest alternative is PFAS-free
STURGIS, S.D. – A firefighting product originating in South Dakota soybean fields is finally coming to market after almost a decade in development.
Industrial SoyFoam is a firefighting agent manufactured from soy flour and other soybean components. Its production process involves combining the soy flour with other ingredients like blowing agents, catalysts, and isocyanate.
SoyFoam is different from other fire retardant foams primarily because it is a biodegradable, PFAS-free alternative made from soy and other agricultural products. Unlike traditional foams that use “forever chemicals” like PFAS, which can harm firefighters and contaminate the environment, SoyFoam is designed to be safer for both people and the environment, while still performing effectively on Class A and Class B fires.
It also integrates with existing equipment without needing special handling.
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources and South Dakota Soybean Checkoff just announced the start of a statewide PFAS foam collection and SoyFoam exchange initiative.
“We’re trying to drive domestic usage as opposed to some of the difficulties we’ve had with tariffs and working with international customers,” said Jerry Schmitz, Executive Director of South Dakota Soybean Association. “This is one of those opportunities. The second thing is that firefighters have a high incidence of dying from cancer. And a lot of that has to do with PFAS chemicals present in some other fire retardants.”
Fire departments across the state are already trading in their PFAS foam for SoyFoam. According to Charlie Kludt, the president of the South Dakota Firefighters Association, Watertown already swapped out its old foam, and his department in Viborg is planning to install the new SoyFoam once they finish their current one.
“Most of the fire departments around this area are volunteer firefighters. They’re not being paid,“ said Joel Schreuers, the Council Director of the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council. ”I mean, they risk their lives every time they go into a building or a fire. If we can utilize a product that’s from the ag background and safer for them, everybody wins.”
Schmitz said, “It’s just exciting for us, particularly in South Dakota, that we’re growing a product that can be used locally. Both farmers and the communities can see that it’s a homegrown product.”
The goal now is to make SoyFoam the standard for safe, sustainable firefighting.
