Cobb County and Columbus, Georgia Fire Departments have taken action to protect their communities and first responders with a new firefighting foam made in Georgia. Both departments led extensive evaluations to ensure that this safer, SoyFoam™ TF 1122 firefighting foam, meets their rigorous performance requirements at the same time it offers environmental and health benefits.
Firefighters rely on various tools, including firefighting foam, to combat fires. However, traditional foams can pose risks, exposing them to harmful PFAS or “forever chemicals.” SoyFoam™ is 100% free of intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and is made with no fluorines. It is the first and only firefighting foam GreenScreen Certified® at the Gold level.
“After learning about the harmful effects that PFAS pose, we were determined to do what was necessary to protect our firefighters. The decision to cease using a product found to have harmful effects was an easy one but this left our department with fewer options to fight difficult, ignitable liquid fires. We were delighted to hear about a product that allows us to do our job effectively and safely. We think that TF 1122 offers a solution that is a safe means to protect our community and the firefighters that serve this community.” -Daniel Hord, Deputy Chief of Resource Management, Columbus Georgia Fire and Emergency Medical Services
“Protecting lives and property is our top priority, and we are committed to setting the gold standard in fire service excellence. For too long, the fire industry has had limited options when it comes to certified firefighting foam—many of which come with serious concerns. With growing evidence linking AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) to health risks, including cancer among firefighters, we have taken proactive steps to minimize exposure—only using it in life-saving situations. But today, we are proud to share a groundbreaking update! After rigorous testing, we are thrilled to announce that we are transitioning to SoyFoam™ from Cross Plains Solutions! This innovative, fluorine-free, biodegradable, and environmentally safe foam is not only better for our firefighters but also for the planet. Plus, it supports American soybean farmers! Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services will officially adopt SoyFoam™ as our new standard, reinforcing our commitment to safety, sustainability, and excellence. Stay tuned as we lead the way toward a healthier future in the fire service!” -Justin Green, District Chief-District III, Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services
Cobb County is core to the greater Atlanta area and home to a fast-growing population of 766,149. Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services is one of the few county fire departments with an ISO 1 rating and the designation as internationally accredited through the Center for Public Safety Excellence and Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI).
Located in western Georgia, Columbus is the second most populous city in the state and is home to a population of 206,922. Columbus, Georgia Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services has protected its community and the surrounding region since 1831. Nearly 428 personnel work from 14 strategically located fire stations in western Georgia.
Dalton-headquartered Cross Plains Solutions manufactures SoyFoam™ in northwest Georgia. Through their soy checkoff, U.S. soybean farmers have supported the research and development of this breakthrough product. “It’s great that this partnership between Cross Plains Solutions and the soy checkoff gives our firefighters one less thing to worry about while keeping our communities safe,” said Jesse Patrick, Madison, Georgia soybean farmer and United Soybean Board Director. “Another benefit of SoyFoam™ is that it’s made with soy flour and is a boost to our economy.”
Cross Plains Solutions Managing Partner Alan Snipes says the current formulations of SoyFoam have the potential to use the protein from 12 million bushels of soybeans, and new uses for the product, beyond firefighting applications, are on the horizon. “In 2024, we were proud to launch this breakthrough firefighting foam and appreciate the United Soybean Board’s collaboration. It is incredibly gratifying to see major Georgia fire departments be leaders in taking advantage of its benefits.”
SoyFoam™ is certified ready biodegradable by the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development and is certified as 84% biobased through the U.S. Department of Agriculture BioPreferred® program.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that PFAS is found in water, air, fish, and soil at locations across the nation and the globe. Exposure is linked to several adverse health effects, including certain cancers, thyroid dysfunction, changes in cholesterol and small reductions in birth weight. So, mitigating forever chemicals through soy-based products can create a real impact, not only for the safety of our first responders but also to maintain the integrity of our local communities’ soil health, air quality and drinking water.
GreenScreen® Certified is an independent certification program owned by the nonprofit Clean Production Action, which promotes the use of PFAS-free and preferred chemicals in materials, products, and manufacturing.