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The Risks of Polyurethane

With information on many home projects available with a quick search of the Internet, homeowners are tackling tasks they might have left to professionals in the past. Those who want to do the job themselves, however, should be aware there sometimes can be dangers involved; one chemical that has raised concerns is polyurethane. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in April 2011 announced it would be developing an action plan to warn the public of polyurethane's potential health risks.

  1. Fire

    • Perhaps the biggest danger with polyurethane, which commonly is used in foam insulation and in the processing of finishing wooden floors or sealing concrete, is its flammability, particularly in its foam form. If polyurethane burns, its flames can spread quickly, generating high heat and thick black smoke and gases that are toxic. The foam can turning into burning liquid. Applying polyurethane can raise dust into the air, and the clouds of such dust can ignite if exposed to flame or dust a considerable distance from where it is applied.

    Lung problems

    • Breathing in polyurethane dust or fumes can be harmful to the lungs, causing respiratory ailments. Filter masks should always be work when applying polyurethane.

    Eyes

    • Not only should a mask be worn, goggles are strongly suggested as well when using polyurethane, and in particular when foam is involved. The dust from the foam can act as a strong irritant to the eyes. Those working with polyurethane should avoid rubbing their eyes if the dust gets into them, as this will make the irritation worse.

    Possible long-term risks

    • The EPA, in announcing its action plan, said it would be evaluating long-term health risks from polyurethane exposure. Some polyurethanes contain diisocyanates, which can cause severe skin and breathing problems in uncured forms, according to the EPA. Exposure to diisocyanates has caused deaths in some instances, although the agency emphasized that data is limited to date in determining at what levels polyurethane poses such grave dangers.

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