What are the dangers of polyurethane?
What are the Dangers of Polyurethane Fumes? Prolonged exposure to polyurethane fumes has been linked to several health complications, in the extreme case being asthma and cancer in pets. This product is a classified carcinogen that will trigger skin, eyes, and throat irritation.
How safe is polyurethane foam?
The following are commonly found in foam mattresses:
- Benzene products may damage the DNA of cells and are linked to breast and lymphatic cancers and leukemia.
- Chlorine is thought to be connected to bladder and colon cancer.
- PFOS can affect brain development as well as the reproductive, endocrine and immune systems
- Formaldehyde may cause cancer and it affects the immune, nervous and respiratory systems.
Does polyurethane foam give off toxic fumes?
Using polyurethane indoors can expose you to fumes with a number of potential side effects. These fumes could potentially irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs as well as cause allergic reactions for those with chemical sensitivities
Is polyurethane a carcinogen?
Studies Around Toxic Fumes and Polyurethane. Various studies over the years have looked into the concerns around health and polyurethane foam toxicity. It was revealed that common chemicals used in fire retardants were in fact carcinogenic meaning they contribute to the development of many different cancers.
Is 100% polyurethane foam toxic?
Polyurethane foam is used in most mattresses on the market. But polyurethane is made from petroleum chemicals that can emit VOCs—harmful chemicals that can cause respiratory irritation or other health problems.
Is polyurethane foam always toxic?
Just like almost every other substance on the planet, polyurethane foam off-gasses, or releases compounds into the air. Yes, you breathe in these compounds when you sleep on these mattresses. But no, they're not going to hurt you.
Is polyethylene foam toxic?
Low density, food-grade polyethylene is safe and non-toxic. It has a simple molecular structure that does not require toxic chemical additives like phthalates and other unsafe plasticizers.
Is polyurethane foam toxic in pillows?
If you're sleeping on a polyurethane or memory foam pillow, you may want to reevaluate. Unlike natural latex which derives from rubber tree sap, these synthetic foams are man-made and may be off-gassing harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene.
Is polyurethane foam cancerous?
Polyurethane is the result of the chemical reaction between a polyol and a diisocyanate. Once the chemical reaction of its components has taken place, the result is a polyurethane foam that is completely inert and harmless to humans.
Is polyurethane foam mattress safe for babies?
Evidence shows that it isn't the best material for a baby to sleep on, with health hazards eminently present. Polyurethane foam is no longer deemed safe for babies, as shown by a study published in Environmental Science & Technology.
What is the difference between polyethylene and polyurethane foam?
Polyethylene is a thermoplastic resin, which means an item made with the material can be recycled, melted down and reformed into another shape. Polyurethane, on the other hand, is a thermoset resin, meaning that it has two parts mixed together to form a chemical chain.
Is polyurethane foam in furniture toxic?
Polyurethane foam is a potentially harmful material used in upholstered furniture and mattresses. While free of toxic flame retardants, upholstered furniture still utilizes toxic materials. Most of the furniture sold to US consumers is made with polyurethane foam (aka polyfoam or PU foam).
Is polyurethane a carcinogen?
► Urethane is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. There is evidence that it causes lung, liver, blood, and other cancers in animals.
What are the dangers of polyurethane?
When left uncured, polyurethane can cause asthma and other breathing problems. Those who spend time in rooms that have uncured polyurethane floor treatments may also experience health issues like throat and eye irritation, nausea, vomiting, headaches, coughing, and shortness of breath.
Is polyester polyurethane toxic?
Harmful by inhalation. High concentrations of vapours may irritate respiratory system and lead to headache, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. May cause sensitisation by inhalation.
What is the difference between memory foam and polyurethane?
Memory foam is usually denser and more expensive than regular polyurethane foam. Memory foam does provide much a more pinpointed feel than polyurethane foam. While it provides a pinpointed feel, it is not as supportive as latex foam.
What are the building blocks of polyurethane foam?
Diisocyanates are the Building Blocks of Polyurethane Foam. Polyurethanes are made when diisocyanates (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate [MDI] and/or toluene diisocyanate [TDI]) react with range of polyols. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), exposure to some of the main ingredients of polyurethane foam – ...
What is polyurethane made of?
Polyurethanes, like all plastics, are polymers made by reacting diisocyanates (MDI and/or TDI) with a range of polyols. Depending on the desired end product, chemical formulations may contain other ingredients such as catalysts, blowing agents and possibly flame retardants.
Why are children so vulnerable to flame retardant?
Children are most vulnerable because their bodies and brains are developing, and they are often more exposed to flame retardant-laden products, such as carpets, toys and other items. Generally, people are exposed to these chemicals through household dust, contaminated food, air or water. The Guardian.
When was polyurethane invented?
However, it’s history goes back much further. Invented in the 1930s by Dr. Otto Bayer, polyurethanes became widely used during WWII. Initially used as a rubber substitute, the applications for polyurethane broadened significantly during this period.
Can infants sleep on polyurethane?
Unfortunately, research suggests that’s not the case. In fact, infants are exposed to chemical emissions from crib mattresses while they sleep, with polyurethane foam releasing a greater range of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) as compared to polyester foam.
Is there foam in a coil mattress?
Even if you sleep on a good old fashioned coil-spring mattress, chances are there’s still polyurethane foam somewhere inside it. Add to that, there’s probably foam pretty much everywhere else in your house, too. Polyurethane foam is ubiquitous in our lives, getting us from infancy onwards affordably and comfortably.
Is polyurethane foam bad for you?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), exposure to some of the main ingredients of polyurethane foam – isocyanates – can cause a range of negative health effects, including asthma, lung damage and respiratory problems and damage and skin and eye irritation. Both MDI and TDI need to be used with caution ...
Is polyurethane foam toxic to consumers?
It can be. Polyurethane foam, once formed, is a stable, non-irritant material ( learn more about how PU foam is made here ). The potential trouble it brings in consumer products is actually off-gassing, or when the products release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air.
Is polyurethane foam toxic to manufacturers?
Short answer: more so than to consumers. Let’s repeat this and make it clear though: polyurethane foam itself, once formed, is a stable, non-irritant material. We should clarify our list of questions:
Takeaways
Polyurethane foam is not toxic in and of itself. Off-gassing in polyurethane foam products may induce health risks for consumers, but there are methods of prevention.
Polyurethane Foam Background
Polyester-based polyurethane foams first entered the market in 1937. They belong to a class of compounds known broadly as polymeric foams. PE-PUR foam is popularly used for insulation, structural, and comfort purposes. A common application is within ventilator and CPAP machines.
Toxicity of Polyester-Based Polyurethane Foams
PE-PUR foams are formulated using isocyanates. Isocyanates are a family of chemical compounds that are characterized by a high reactivity and low molecular weight. They’re often used in the production of polyurethanes, however, isocyanate exposure can have adverse health effects.
Carcinogenic Properties of Isocyanates
Over the past 30 years, research has also linked isocyanate exposure to cancer. Studies haven’t explicitly named PE-PUR foam as a carcinogen. Though there have been other isocyanate-containing products identified as carcinogenic. Given this tangential relationship, further investigation into PE-PUR foam’s carcinogenic potential is wholly warranted.
Philips Recall of CPAP and Ventilator Machines
In June 2021, Philips announced a voluntary recall of several of its sleep apnea devices and ventilators. The recall targets between three and four million devices. Philips explained the devices use a PE-PUR sound abatement foam that could degrade into particles or off-gas chemicals.
Off-Gassing Danger: Diethylene Glycol
Diethylene glycol (DEG) is among the chemicals released by PE-PUR foam on Philips devices. DEG is a highly toxic, colorless, odorless chemical. It’s often used in antifreeze, brake fluid, and lubricants. Exposure to diethylene glycol can have severe effects. Health complications range from nausea and vomiting to coma or even death.
Polyurethane Foam Degradation Danger
Beyond external factors, PE-PUR foam is also susceptible to microbial degradation. Common airborne bacteria can play a role in decomposition. The presence and impact of certain bacteria will depend on the environment where the devices were used. Bacterial factors will be less prevalent in well-maintained healthcare facilities.
Is Polyurethane Toxic?
Yes, polyurethane is toxic. Uncured polyurethane is not safe and can irritate people with respiratory problems. However, that does not mean you are putting anybody at risk. As long as you apply polyurethane correctly, whether it is oil-based or water-based, you and everybody around the product will be safe.
What Makes Polyurethane Toxic?
The chief components that make polyurethanes toxic are volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that are emitted as gases. VOCs are released by many household products that contain chemicals such as sprays, pesticides, air fresheners, permanent markers, glues, copiers and printers, and so many others.
Polyurethane Toxicity: Which Type of Polyurethane is More Toxic?
Of the two main types of polyurethane, oil-based polyurethane is more toxic than water-based polyurethane.
Under What Condition is Polyurethanes Toxic?
There really is only one situation in which polyurethanes are toxic, and that’s during application.
What Effects Would VOCs Have on my Health?
Is polyurethane toxic to humans? Well, under normal conditions, VOCs don’t have adverse effects on people. However, under intense and prolonged contact, they can be toxic and have been shown to cause health issues like asthma, nausea, and headaches, amongst others.
Can Polyurethane Fumes Kill You?
No, polyurethane fumes cannot kill unless you have a severe allergic reaction. As mentioned earlier, constant and intense exposure to high levels of VOCs can have adverse effects. These high levels are rare in household products unless you stick your head in a can for hours.
What do I do if Polyurethane Falls on My Hand?
If polyurethane gets on your hand, use some mineral spirit to remove polyurethane from your hands. For water-based polyurethane, all you’ll need is soap and water.
The Problem With Polyurethane Foam
Actually, there are several problems. For one, polyurethane foam derives from petroleum, which is not sustainable. It is therefore not environmentally friendly, but that’s the least of your worries.
Additional Concerns
Polyurethane foam is extremely flammable. That’s why chemical flame retardants pose the biggest threat in homes. Journalist Wyatt Andrews of CBS reported in 2008 that hundreds of millions of pounds of these toxic chemicals have been accumulating in American sofas and mattresses for more than three decades.
How People Are Exposed to Toxins in Furniture
Polyurethane foam is an ever-present danger because it’s in such a wide range of products. In addition to padding your furniture and mattresses, it’s used in car seating, carpet underlay, packaging, and sound insulation. It’s even in the casings of electronic equipment like TVs.
Going Organic: Peace of Mind in Daytime and Better Sleep at Night
The benefits of going organic are almost too numerous to list. Natural products could make all the difference in your family’s health, your peace of mind, and the quality of your sleep.
Out With the Old
Conscientious consumers like you have increased demand for transparency and safer solutions from manufacturers. In passing Proposition 65 in 1986, California led the nation in identifying chemicals around the house — including toxins in furniture — that cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive issues.
What are the ingredients in polyurethane foam?
However, virtually all flexible polyurethane foams contain a few basic ingredients: Polyols are the basic building blocks of memory foam. These are molecules that contain more than one alcohol chemical group, called a hydroxyl group. Polyols are organic compounds and can be found in everything from sugar to plastic.
What is the chemical compound that reacts with polymers to make foam?
Polyols are organic compounds and can be found in everything from sugar to plastic. Diisocyanates are a type of chemical compound that chemically reacts with polymers to produce polyurethane foam. Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) are the most common diisocyanates used in memory foam.
What are the chemicals in memory foam?
Common harmful chemicals that were historically found in memory foam mattresses include: 1 Methylbenzene: Methylbenzene, more commonly known as toluene, is a clear liquid that occurs naturally in crude oil. Toluene is toxic when inhaled in large quantities. 2 Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde sometimes results as a by-product of the foam manufacturing process, though this is much less common nowadays. Formaldehyde fumes can irritate the eyes, nose and mouth, and it is known to be a human carcinogen. 3 Methylene Dianiline: Used as a reactant in the foam manufacturing process, methylene dianiline causes irritation when coming into contact with skin, and may be carcinogenic. 4 Methylene Chloride: Formerly used as a blowing agent, this substance is a suspected carcinogen and can pose serious health risks if it comes into contact to the skin or mucous membranes. 5 Chlorofluorocarbons: Chlorofluorocarbons were formerly used as a blowing agent, but use of these substances is now limited because of their ozone-depleting effects.
What is memory foam?
Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam. As with all foams, memory foam compresses under pressure. The difference with other polyurethane foams is that memory foam also contains added chemicals that increase its viscosity and elasticity, hence its alternate name, viscoelastic foam. When pressure is applied, memory foam has ...
When was the first memory foam mattress invented?
In the 1990’s , TempurPedic brought the world the first memory foam mattress. Because memory foam is activated by heat, it easily molds to the shape of your body and provides relief and support for your specific body shape. Memory foam also excels at preventing motion transfer from one partner to another.
When was memory foam invented?
Memory foam was originally developed by NASA in the 1960’s to provide cushioning against vibrations and potential crashes. Later, the material was used to prevent bedsores for patients who were unable to move for long periods of time. In the 1990’s, TempurPedic brought the world the first memory foam mattress.
What is a good substitute for memory foam?
A popular substitute is natural latex, a material derived from the sap of rubber trees that is breathable, durable, and more bouncy than memory foam. More rarely, some hybrid beds may combine an innerspring core with naturally derived comfort layers made of wool, cotton batting, or feathers.
