Illinois State Representative Daniel Swanson presented a resolution on May 26 calling on the Office of the State Fire Marshal and fire departments across Illinois to replace current firefighting foams with SoyFoam, a product made from soybeans that is described as safe and non-carcinogenic.
According to Swanson, “SoyFoam is non-toxic and is free of fluorine, a toxic chemical which can cause pulmonary edema, a potentially deadly condition known to cause liver and kidney damage. SoyFoam also does not contain PFAS substances, which are found in other current firefighting foams. PFAS substances are hazardous to humans and wildlife and have been linked to thousands of cancers every year.”
Swanson said that in addition to being safer for people and the environment, SoyFoam has been found to be just as effective in fighting fires. He added that because Illinois is one of the nation’s leading producers of soybeans, adopting this product would benefit firefighters, the environment, and local farmers.
“The resolution was adopted unanimously,” Swanson said.
Swanson was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’ 71st House District in 2023, replacing Donald L. Moffitt, according to his office.
