Urethane Foam Health Effects

Improperly handled ethyl carbamate, or urethane, has shown dangerous side effects in animals and humans.

Common Locations

• Urethane has been found in alcohol and some food products, but is most commonly encountered in the workplace. This ether is combined with poisons found in pesticides and fumigation compounds.

Dangers

• In any form, urethane can pose dangerous health risks to animals and people, especially when associated with pregnancy. Exposure to large quantities could be lethal when exposed to this foam since it is easily absorbed by skin, suppresses bone marrow and attacks vital organs. During animal testing, when urethane is injected into pregnant rats, newborns develop substantially more lung tumors and organ damage than older mice.

Exposure Prevention

• When handling urethane foam, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends gloves, safety glasses, lab coats and protective breathing equipment. Foams should be handled underneath a fume hood when used in a laboratory setting. Once finished handling urethane foam products, the work area should be cleaned with a detergent solution.