understanding polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foam safety is everywhere – in your mattress, insulation. With such widespread use, it’s natural to wonder: Is polyurethane foam toxic? Is it dangerous? Or is it safe for everyday use? The answer, like many things in chemistry and materials science, isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends heavily on the specific type of foam, its condition, and how you’re exposed to it. Understanding Polyurethane Foam: It’s Not All the Same Polyurethane (PU) is a polymer created by toxic chemicals reacting diisocyanatos (like TDI or MDI) with polyols. Adding water or other blowing agents during manufacturing creates gas bubbles, forming the foam structure. There are two main types relevant to […]