Analysis of volatile combustion products and a study of their toxicological effects

Abstract

An experimental program was conducted to study the thermochemical, flammability and toxicological characteristics of uncoated and coated polyisocyanurate foams. The coatings used were fluorinated copolymer and an intumescent material. Flammability testing methods included the XP‐2 chamber smoke test, ASTM D‐1692, infrared photography, Bureau of Mines penetration test, and a JP‐4 fuel combustion chamber. The results of these tests are presented in a companion paper. Combustion and pyrolysis gases were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The LD‐50 and LD‐100 tests were performed on Sprague‐Dawley rats housed in an environmental chamber. The isocyanurate foam, flourinated‐copolymer‐coated foam, and the intumescent‐coated foam were found to have excellent flammability and insulation characteristics, although smoke development was substantial. The LD‐50 values for Sprague‐Dawley rats, based on a two‐week survival, were approximately 2.0 gm/ft3 for all three materials. Examination indicated an absence of any significant cause of death except carbon monoxide poisoning.

Industrial hygiene characterization of urea formaldehyde and polyurethane foam insulation.

“…However, at least several hundred workers were potentially exposed to polyurethane foam components provided by just one distributor. Although there are several reports related to occupational exposure to isocyanates used in the production of polyurethane foam (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9), no report was found identifying worker exposure to total polyurethane foam production systems; therefore, polyurethane was placed in Category A.…”