ST. JOHNS, Michigan – A budding new market for U.S.-grown soybeans has been created with a cancer-free foam proving to be effective in fighting fires.

Soyfoam contains none of the chemicals in traditional firefighting foams that come with health risks like cancer from exposure.

The product, made with soybean flour, has no special handling requirements and can be applied with traditional firefighting foam dispensing equipment.

During the summer, the Michigan Soybean Committee and PK Foam Solutions, a distributor of the product in Michigan, hosted a Soyfoam demonstration in Stanton where firefighters in the area, for the first time, observed it being used and asked questions about the product.

Stanton Township Fire Chief Brian Brasington said he was impressed with the ability to apply Soyfoam and how effective it is in putting out fires.

“The non-carcinogen is really the huge bonus, though, that makes me really want to utilize this foam at our department,” he said.

Until now, there’s been no alternative to traditional firefighting foams that contain Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment.

Used since the 1950s, PFAS are found in products that repel water, grease and heat but use of the chemicals is also linked to health issues like increased cholesterol, thyroid disease and some cancers.

Currently, nearly 100 bodies of water in Michigan have a “Do Not Eat” advisory for at least one species of fish because of PFAS contamination. One of the main sources of contamination is from traditional foams used to fight fires.

Soyfoam is a certified USDA BioPreferred product made with more than 70 percent biobased materials, meaning it is completely biodegradable. It’s made by Cross Plain Solutions based in Dalton, Ga.

PK Foam Solutions is a licensed distributor of the product throughout Michigan, northern Indiana, northwest Ohio and northern Illinois.

The company is owned by Patrick Butler, a former 35-year firefighter and cancer survivor.

“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,” he said.

There are 2.5 bushels of soybeans in every 55-gallon drum of Soyfoam, which leaves only nitrogen on the grass or soil once it’s used and totally breaks down.

“It’s good for the environment. It’s good for firefighters.  Plus, it’s good for our soybean growers,” he said.

The 76-year-old Butler, who became a distributor in April, said he provides the product to two fire departments in Michigan, so far, and the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, which uses Soyfoam during controlled outdoor burns.

The foam is used to form a perimeter around a controlled burn to keep the flames from spreading outside the designated area.

Butler is optimistic additional fire departments will begin ordering Soyfoam once more decision makers learn about the product.

To increase awareness, he’s been demonstrating the product to other firefighters across the state.

He also hopeful the product will start being used by the U.S. Department of Defense and other places like airports since it meets all federal testing requirements.

“I think it’s going to be the next best thing coming once we get it up and running.  It’s just going to be a matter of time,” he said.

Butler said the product is just as effective as traditional foams except the blanket it forms over fires to starve them of oxygen seems to not hold up for quite as long in alcohol fires because there are no chemicals in the ingredients.

The cost of Soyfoam at $189 for every five-gallon container is about equal to the price of traditional foams.

But cost wise, Butler said the use of Soyfoam doesn’t pose a risk for a high taxpayer funded environmental clean-up that comes with the use of traditional foams.