Read more at MLive Kalamazoo

• A retired firefighter is promoting a new product to combat cancer risks. Patrick Butler, a retired Kalamazoo Township firefighter, was diagnosed with bladder cancer and believes it was caused by his exposure to PFAS-laden firefighting foam.
• The new product is a plant-based alternative. Butler discovered a PFAS-free, biodegradable foam called Soy Foam, which is made from U.S.-grown soybeans.
• The foam is safe and effective. Soy Foam is certified biodegradable, contains no PFAS, and can be used on both Class A and B fires. It also costs about the same as traditional foam and doesn’t require new equipment.
• Butler is now a distributor for the product. He started his company, PK Foam Solutions, to promote and sell the foam to fire departments.
• The product is also being used for environmental conservation. The Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy is testing Soy Foam for controlled burns, as it reduces the amount of water needed and doesn’t add harmful chemicals to the environment.