Firefighters see effectiveness of soybean based foam
' There is no poly-fluoroalkyl and no carcinogens. What we do out here is dangerous enough and we do not need the added risk of contracting cancer,' says Jeff King, a lifelong farmer and assistant chief at Corydon Civil Defense Fire and Rescue.
It's called 'SoyFoam' and Corydon Civil Defense Fire and Rescue began using it last summer, instead of traditional foam. King says it works the same as traditional foam and comes at the same price. He says he has not seen any difference in how they fight fires, and says it adds a layer of safety.
'We did not have to change a thing, or tactics, equipment, or anything. It is business as usual. But when we leave we know we are not contaminating the ground or groundwater,' King says.
The main difference is how it is made. Traditional foam is made with P-FAS and other forever chemicals. According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, P-FAS is being found all over the country, in water, air, fish, and soil. Exposure to it is linked to several adverse health effects, including certain cancers, thyroid dysfunction, and changes in cholesterol.
'SoyFoam' is made with U.S soy flour, which King says is safer for first responders, helps keep soil, air quality, and drinking water safe, and is a win for farmers.
'It helps farmers use excess soybean meal that we have in our country,' King says.
King says it is gaining attention. He says the Henderson City fire department and departments in Daviess County are all looking at making the switch. He also says he got a call from a chief from Kuttawa, Kentucky which is about 61 miles away from the station in Corydon and is dealing with flooding.
'They say it is a product they will be able to use around water shed areas and not have to worry about contaminating the lakes,' King says.
King says 'SoyFoam' will help keep generations of firefighters safe, including his 16-year-old nephew.
'He is a junior firefighter. This is one less thing I have to worry about… him sometime down the line, getting sick,' King says.
King says any fire departments who want to learn more about 'SoyFoam' can contact Corydon Civil Defense Fire and Rescue or the Kentucky Soybean Board in Princeton, Kentucky.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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