In Georgia, for years, Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) has been the gold standard for suppressing and extinguishing petroleum-based fires. But its effectiveness has come with a cost: the presence of PFAS, so-called “forever chemicals” that don’t break down and are linked to health and environmental risks.
One potential contender to replace the PFAS-laden foam comes from Cross Plains Solutions LLC, based in Dalton, Ga., where chief technology officer and managing partner Dave Garlie has led development of a foam made from U.S.-grown soybeans. Unlike AFFF, the soy foam doesn’t persist in soil or water. It’s biodegradable and breaks down without the threat of PFAS—forever chemicals—sticking around indefinitely. Unlike AFFF, the soy foam doesn’t persist in soil or water. It’s biodegradable and breaks down without the threat of PFAS—forever chemicals—sticking around indefinitely.
That means departments with ethanol-handling facilities or transport routes nearby may still need to keep a separate foam on hand. Cross Plains researchers are continuing to test soy-based formulations with the goal of making them effective against ethanol fires as well.
Tags: AFFF, Georgia, soybeans
Category: Research
