Safety

As with all chemical construction products, the possible health hazards and environmentally harmful impacts of PU foam are also being discussed. According to the current state of knowledge, the following can be said: High-quality PU foams as they are offered by the majority of manufacturers in the German market are safe products with a very positive environmental balance sheet.

Upon processing, PU foam hardens relatively quickly. In this state, it is physiologically safe. However, before being sprayed, i.e. as a liquid or before hardening completely, the ingredients must be classified as a health hazard. As a result, PU cans are labelled with the St. Andrew’s cross, mainly due to the presence of isocyanate while the foam is in its liquid state. Isocyanate fumes can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory organs. In addition, sensitization can occur upon inhalation and skin contact. Users can protect themselves from this impact by working in well ventilated rooms and by wearing gloves. Hardened PU foam no longer contains free isocyanate and is therefore physiologically safe.

PU foam cans are pressurized gas containers that can explode when subjected to heat or pressure. Manufacturers minimize this risk by using exactly specified propellant mixtures. Users of PU foam will find important safety information on every can. If these safety instructions are observed, possible risks during the application process can be reduced to a minimum.