Polyurethane is formed by reacting a polyol (a polymeric alcohol with more than two reactive hydroxyl groups per molecule) with diisocyanates or polymeric isocyanate (e.g. MDI or TDI) in the presence of suitable catalysts and additives. The Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS) of the product will provide a list of potential health effects and their symptoms, but diisocyantes have been known to cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, lungs and skin. They also can cause allergic reactions (sensitization) of the skin and lungs.

CPI helps provide information about human health and the environment for the polyurethane industry, reviewing new and existing data to address developing issues and trends. CPI follows a “product stewardship” approach which is the process by which a business manages its:

  • product development;
  • manufacture;
  • distribution;
  • marketing; and ultimately
  • disposal of its products in an appropriately safe, healthy and environmentally sound way.

CPI considers health concerns relating to the broad spectrum of polyurethane product development, including:

  • raw materials;
  • polyurethane production processes and chemicals; and
  • final polyurethane products.

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CPI also addresses some polyurethane industry worker health issues in a variety of ways. We offer a host of product stewardship literature for users of polyurethane products. The majority of this information is available free on our site and also is distributed by the producers of MDI and TDI. Our literature attempts to address concerns about polyurethane raw materials related to environmental, health and safety, distribution, use, emissions, and waste issues. However, these documents do not tell the whole story, so be sure to review product stewardship materials from downstream customers (blenders, foamers and finished article producers) and their hazard communication and stewardship programs.

Safe Handling of Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate (MDI) and Safe Handling of Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI) Videos
The following MDI and TDI videos are made available by International Isocyanates Institute in good faith, is believed to be accurate and reliable, but may well be incomplete and/or not applicable to all conditions or situations that may be encountered.  No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the contents or that the application or use of any of the information and recommendations herein will avoid, reduce or ameliorate hazards, accidents, losses, damages or injury of any kind to persons or property. Viewers are therefore cautioned to satisfy themselves as to the applicability and suitability of said information and recommendations for the purposes intended prior to use.

spotlight

The polyurethane industry, working together through the American Chemistry Council's (ACC) Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) and the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA), has launched an enhanced product stewardship program to support further understanding of the benefits of spray polyurethane foam and its continued safe use and handling. A part of this outreach, a new Spray Polyurethane Foam Health and Safety website, www.spraypolyurethane.com, has been launched by CPI and SPFA that contains new materials, literature and posters to increase understanding of spray polyurethane foam (SPF) product stewardship information.

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