Polyurethanes are used to make consumer goods like mattresses, sponges, textiles, shoe soles and many other products. Polyurethane products are made from polyols and diisocyanates; once fully reacted there is no longer any monomeric diisocyanate present.
Polyurethanes are safe today and in the future
When working with chemicals like adhesives and sealants, the precautions given in the material safety data sheets are important for protecting users' health and safety. One-component polyurethane adhesives and sealants cure by reaction with atmospheric moisture, and this reaction is based on the cross-linking of pre-polymers through their isocyanate groups.
This reaction, also called curing, converts the extruded fluid product into a polyurethane polymer compound with unique properties. When applying such polyurethane products, users may be exposed to minimal amounts of unreacted monomeric diisocyanates that were used in the production of such pre-polymers. Once the product is fully cured, however, the diisocyanates have reacted and the final compounds are completely free of these reactive chemicals.
