Isocyanates and Firestable™ Products

Polyurethane is one of the most versatile polymers available that can be used to produce both rigid and flexible foams. This level of versatility plays a critical role in addressing global market trends across many applications throughout multiple industries. And due to it's role as the most effective thermal insulation on the market, Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI) based polyurethane is widely used to provide cost effective energy saving solutions in both residential and commercial markets alike. This is also the case for Firestable™ Insulation Company products, such as our FS 2.0 Zero Flame Spread Thermal Barrier SPF.

Contact with vapor, liquid, or aerosol MDI in excessive amounts can be harmful to human health. When handling MDI, one must always be aware of the four routes of exposure: Inhalation, Eye Contact, Skin Contact, and Ingestion or Swallowing. Depending on the concentration of MDI within the nearby atmosphere, this may produce such health effects as irritation to the mucus membranes, the eyes, and the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Elevated inhalation of MDI may also lead to development of respiratory sensitization.

Exposure above occupational exposure limits (see the below link for further information) may cause tearing of the eyes, tightness of the chest, difficult or labored breathing, or further and more severe respiratory effects, such as chemical bronchitis, pneumonitis, sensitization, and pulmonary edema. These effects can represent immediately, or be delayed hours after exposure. Symptoms may increase in severity for several hours, but will usually disappear in one to two days.

If exposure reaches levels beyond traditional workplace limits, it may lead to permanent pulmonary effects. Sensitized individuals may experience asthma-like events at exposure to even minute levels of airborne MDI, which can be life threatening in some cases.

Click the below button for more information on the hazards of MDI from the American Chemistry Council, or reach out to us at Mail@Firestable.com or call our office at (860) 767-8773 for further guidance.