However, there is debate between ordinary consumers and specialists on this issue. There is not much official information. Individual points, crumbs that do not allow us to unambiguously answer the questions: is polyurethane foam harmful? If harmful, then how much?
The harm of polyurethane foam, far-fetched and real
- reduces libido.
Interest in the question of whether polyurethane foam allows water to pass through or not can arise in two cases. Firstly, if there is a small gap or crack, it may even extend outwards, which needs to be repaired urgently.
It is very tempting to seal it with polyurethane foam: The spray can is very convenient to use; there is no need to prepare all kinds of solutions and clean up dirt after yourself. And the process of getting rid of shortcomings happens in no time: quickly and easily! The second situation is a recently installed window or external door, requiring finishing finishing work.
In many ways, it is the foam that will be an obstacle to precipitation and collected moisture, and many people ask whether it is sealed enough and whether any additional measures will be required to prevent liquids from entering the house. And if cracks can be dealt with using other methods, albeit more labor-intensive, then the windows are still installed on foam. Whether you want it or not, you have to delve into it. At least what additional steps will need to be taken to improve and protect a window or door while maintaining comfort in the room.
Polyurethane foam allows water to pass through or not- no one can give a definite answer with confidence, even an experienced repairman. The builders themselves disagreed: some say that it not only lets it through, but also absorbs it, others categorically deny and refute this. Our experts took matters into their own hands and conducted 2 small experiments.
They may not be artistic or scientific, but they are convincing and reliable. And they are intended to illustrate the characteristics of this mounting substance that have become a stumbling block. This will be discussed in our article.
Experience 1: Bandwidth
Carrying out the experiment was simply simple: foam was sprayed onto a newspaper bed and placed in it. a plastic cup and they splashed it on all sides. The plastic cup was then removed from the manufactured structure. The result, albeit ugly, was a solid vessel, without holes or cracks. We waited until our peculiar container hardened and dried thoroughly.
Next, 250 milliliters of water was poured into it and left for one day. Some will say that there is not enough time allotted for experience. However, according to statistics, in real conditions polyurethane foam is almost never exposed to water for such a long time (except perhaps when the structure reinforced with it is flooded). Even a long rainfall does not lead to complete envelopment of the foam, so, in our opinion, the experiment looks quite correct. And here are the results:
- The surface under the “glass” remained completely dry.
- Blotting the outside walls with a paper napkin did not reveal even individual drops, that is, water did not seep through the substance.
- Attention! What is characteristic: after draining the water from the container back into the plastic glass, only 200 ml remained!
- For some reason, the weight of the vessel made from hardened foam has doubled.
From this we conclude: Polyurethane foam does not allow water to pass through. But 50 ml disappeared somewhere, and the vessel became heavier! When cutting an improvised container with a sharp stationery knife water in some places flowed straight out of the resulting air material. Hence it was assumed that it was trapped in the unevenness of the inner wall.
The assumption was confirmed by the squelching sound that was heard when the still intact, uncut container was shaken. It seemed that water was trapped in large pores formed by the foam during inflation. However, the version needed to be verified, and a second experiment was carried out.
Experiment 2: moisture absorption
This time, two frozen pieces of the same polyurethane foam were placed in a bowl of cool water for the whole day. One was a droplet formed naturally when sprayed installation material, the second is a parallelepiped, deliberately cut to expose the internal pores (after all, the installation cut after installation, for example, of a window, looks just like that - porous).
Even after 24 hours, both participants in the experiment floated on the surface without sinking even a millimeter. That is, their weight did not change during this time, and they did not absorb water. From this we conclude: in principle, polyurethane foam is a good waterproofing agent, and theoretically it should even protect the room from the penetration of moisture from the street.
An important “but”
Despite the results of the experiments, we still agree with the builders who do not recommend using polyurethane foam for waterproofing and insist on sealing the seams when installing windows with other materials. The fact is that it is very unstable to constant exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Under the rays of the sun it tends to gradually collapse; visually this is manifested in its acquisition of a brownish tint.
At the same time, over time, the polyurethane foam becomes very porous when used outdoors, and moisture begins to pass through it without much difficulty. Accordingly, having sealed the external gap with foam, quite soon you will again be faced with the problem of water penetrating from the outside into your home.
The same goes for windows. In order for the foam fastener to continue to perform its functions and remain an obstacle to precipitation, it must be plastered, having previously cut off the swollen bubbles. As an alternative, you can cover the foam seam with sealant, but in any case you need to block the access of light to it, which has such a detrimental effect on the material itself.
In addition, when blowing out a gap, you cannot control how completely it is filled.
Is polyurethane foam harmful to health in an apartment?
The gaps remaining during blowing will allow water to pass through. This is precisely the reason why many people believe that foam does not hold moisture.
Those who have chosen foam to seal a crack based on the ease of use of the spray can should think about how they will remove it from surfaces where accidental splashes will fall - foam is removed extremely poorly, and its removal may take much more time than if took advantage traditional methods and plastered the defect.
Thus, it is not so important how the polyurethane foam behaves in a wet environment, whether it allows water to pass through or not - its other properties come to the fore, which prevent its use as a waterproofing material, at least without additional support. Still, the original purpose of the magic spray is to bind individual parts different designs, and here polyurethane foam is almost irreplaceable. And it is better to leave the remaining functions to other materials that were developed specifically for them.
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The polyurethane foam has partially crumbled.
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Why are we so sure of this? Because we pay them for it!
October 01, 2015
at 19:52 Plastic windows installed 3 years ago, the company's employees filled the openings with polyurethane foam, and did not warn that on the façade side the foam needed to be protected from the sun and other influences.
polyurethane foam is harmful to health
As a result, the foam partially crumbled and continues to collapse. What can be done, a balcony on the 18th floor?
alex78sol
01 October 2015
at 20:11Probably the most affordable option, is to remove the decomposed foam until it is good and paint it properly (in general, this should have been done right away).
Leonid_32
01 October 2015
at 20:54Remove the old collapsed foam and fill it with new one. Or seal the gap with sealant, well, and then you need to cover the foam or sealant with plaster or putty. Otherwise, water may enter the gap and enter the apartment.
neoless
03 October 2015
at 0:35 Despite this, on the 18th floor, secure yourself with cables. Look at everything carefully with outside. Clean off any crumbled foam. Seal with putty mixture. Or call the installers, they will definitely handle it.
Irina777
03 October 2015
at 1:59 We must try to remove the protruding remains of the mounting foam and cement these areas on top, I did this when installing MP windows. True, I immediately removed the remaining foam and cemented it. Well, then you can either use putty or paint, or if access is normal, you can make slopes with plastic panels.
Masha
03 October 2015
at 2:50 Try to remove the foam as much as possible (this can be done using a construction knife if the seams are wide, without touching window frame). At the same time, keep in mind that most installers neglect the right technologies installation of windows and fix them only with foam. In this case, you cannot do this. Make sure the structure is secured with dowels and special strips before cleaning the foam.
Next (we made sure everything is strong and reliable), you buy a special frost-resistant foam and carefully blow it into the cracks.
In combination with foam, PSUL is also used to protect the foam from moisture and ultraviolet radiation, as well as standard plastic panels, planted on sealant.
Roman31
03 October 2015
at 3:14 Remove the old foam, fill the resulting cracks with fresh polyurethane foam and ideal plaster the slopes. If money allows, you can hire the appropriate specialists - high-altitude specialists, there are such masters in every city, look at the advertisements in the newspapers and they should offer their services.
MANYA
06 October 2015
at 13:24 High-altitude climbers undertake to redo only one edge, where there is normal access and nothing interferes, on the other edge, up to half of the windows, there is aluminum sun protection, with very small rings. The distance between the sun protection and the windows/brickwork is 2 cm. The foam on top is in normal condition - protected by the upper balcony, a drain was made from below and immediately cemented. What can be done in this case?
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Any polyurethane foam undergoes a series of checks before hitting store shelves. And not nominal, but real. If it is put on sale (for how many years!), then the harmfulness of polyurethane foam is minimal.
However, there is debate between ordinary consumers and specialists on this issue.
Is polyurethane foam dangerous?
There is not much official information. Individual points, crumbs that do not allow us to unambiguously answer the questions: is polyurethane foam harmful? If harmful, then how much?
Let's first analyze the moment of using foam. We’ll “get into the can” later.
What do manufacturers warn us about?
1. Foam should not be sprayed near open fire. It is also prohibited to smoke while working.
2. Foam should not be heated over a stove or other sources of fire (we hope that this will not occur to anyone). For these purposes it is necessary to use hot water.
In principle, these warnings are understandable. Polyurethane foam is a flammable material, easily flammable (like many other materials in aerosol containers).
Cured polyurethane foam is not dangerous. Unless, of course, you set it on fire on purpose. Plus there are fire resistant sealants on the market designed to install fire doors and others similar designs.
Some manufacturers can read on the cylinders that work with foam should take place in well-ventilated areas. Plus, it is recommended to wear a mask and gloves. Indeed, polyurethane foam is toxic. How dangerous is it to work with her?
Diphenylmethane diisocyanate is a key material for the production of rigid polyurethane foams. Substances such as freon, pentane, for example, are used for foaming. As a result of the interaction of all components, polyurethane foam is formed. Its high thermal insulation properties determine the main scope of application:
The number of polyurethane materials on the construction market is growing rapidly. Accordingly, the demand for isocyanates, a key raw material, is increasing. The least dangerous in the group of isocyanates is diphenylmethane diisocyanate. During handling, a very low vapor pressure is created, which reduces the danger of the substance. But diphenylmethane diisocyanate is not absolutely safe.
Negative influence:
- substance – allergen and sensitizer;
- affects the respiratory system;
- may provoke asthmatic reactions;
- suppresses the body's immune defense;
- reduces libido.
A person's reaction to isocyanates varies from person to person. In particular, the toxicity of polyurethane foam is low. But some people are so sensitive to isocyanates that a negative reaction occurs immediately.
Therefore use construction mixture requires compliance elementary rules safety precautions:
1. You need to work with polyurethane foam in a ventilated area.
2. Optimal temperature air - twenty to twenty-five degrees above zero. More high temperatures undesirable.
3. You must also ensure that the surfaces being treated are not too hot.
5. Don't forget to wear gloves too.
Polyurethane foam is a common material. There are people who work with her every day. If all of them ended up in the hospital, the foam would be removed from the construction market. Consequently, the toxicity of the mounting sealant is minimal. But it is there. Therefore, it is better to take precautions.
Any polyurethane foam undergoes a series of checks before hitting store shelves. And not nominal, but real. If it is put on sale (for how many years!), then the harmfulness of polyurethane foam is minimal. However, there is debate between ordinary consumers and specialists on this issue. There is not much official information. Individual points, crumbs that do not allow us to unambiguously answer the questions: is polyurethane foam harmful? If harmful, then how much? Let's first analyze the moment of using foam. We’ll “get into the can” later. What do manufacturers warn us about? 1. Foam should not be sprayed near an open fire. It is also prohibited to smoke while working. 2. Foam should not be heated over a stove or other sources of fire (we hope that this will not occur to anyone). For these purposes it is necessary to use hot water. In principle, these warnings are understandable.
Is polyurethane foam dangerous?
SIP panels This construction technology is considered by many to be inexpensive and harmless. However, if we consider it in more detail, then one can doubt these determinants. This technology for building houses is not much inferior to others in price, and upon careful consideration it becomes clear that it is not so harmless.
The fact is that when building a house in sip construction, specially designed panels (sip panels) are used, which, in essence, are foam boards, which are glued on both sides wood boards OSB. OSB boards consist of compressed and glued wood chips. The adhesive used to form the boards releases some formaldehyde, but the amount is not significant.
The biggest concern is polystyrene foam.
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- Is it true that polyurethane foam emits harmful fumes and should not be used in a residential area? -
- what harmful substances are present in the laminate.
Chemists forum
- substance – allergen and sensitizer;
- affects the respiratory system;
- may provoke asthmatic reactions;
- suppresses the body's immune defense;
- reduces libido.
A person's reaction to isocyanates varies from person to person. In particular, the toxicity of polyurethane foam is low. But some people are so sensitive to isocyanates that a negative reaction occurs immediately. Therefore, the use of construction mixture requires compliance with basic safety rules: 2.
The optimal air temperature is twenty to twenty-five degrees above zero. Higher temperatures are undesirable. 3. You must also ensure that the surfaces being treated are not too hot. 4. When processing large areas, it is recommended to use respirators.
5. Don't forget to wear gloves too.
What awaits installers? toxicity of polyurethane foam
Facts and consequences of application are not environmentally friendly materials in house construction
- SIP panels
- Expanded polystyrene formwork
- Foam skirting boards and insulation
- Frame houses with mineral wool insulation
- PVC structures
- Carpet
- Construction mixtures
- Polyurethane foam
- Dye
- the air in some residential premises is several times more harmful than on busy highways;
- more than half of those killed in fires die not from burns, but from poisoning by vapors of harmful substances formed when certain building materials are heated;
- The environmental friendliness of many materials presented on the construction market is highly questionable (60% of them are dangerous to human health).
Let's look at the most common building materials that can be dangerous.
However, not many people know that carpet belongs to the class of highly flammable building materials, that is, on a scale from 1 to 4, it is the most flammable material with a flammability rating of G-4. In addition, carpet contributes to the rapid spread of flames in the room along the floor. Construction mixtures When purchasing construction mixtures, strictly monitor their quality.
Only original mixtures from reputable manufacturers can meet all safety requirements. It is best to purchase building mixtures, like other materials, in serious specialized construction stores that value their reputation and therefore monitor the quality of the product. Polyurethane foam Polyurethane foam is very comfortable material, used in construction for sealing windows and doorways at the time of their installation.
It contains the toxic poison formaldehyde.
Is polyurethane foam harmful to health in an apartment?
As I now understand, not only so that the smell goes away (toxic, of course), but also because oxygen and moisture are needed for polymerization. Again, I’m not a chemist, but if the proportions of the components are not observed, then one of the components will remain unbound. Is it harmless? That's why I was worried about the results of the incorrect “working” of the polyurethane foam in my case.
But, it seems, the experts here reassured me. Thank you. Otherwise, honestly, I was already thinking about removing the tiles, taking out the bathtub and cleaning off the foam. And coating technology steel bath polyurethane foam is as follows (maybe it will be useful for someone else): 1.
turned the bathtub upside down and placed it on a soft surface (so as not to scratch it)2.
Important
Wallpaper Wallpaper is available in a large number of varieties today. You can choose not only from a huge number of colors, shades and patterns, but also materials. Various materials used for the manufacture of wallpaper differ in the degree of flammability and release of harmful substances:
- vinyl wallpaper is highly flammable and completely unnatural;
- glass wallpaper is non-flammable, does not contain substances harmful to humans, it is a good environmentally friendly material;
- paper ones are flammable, their quality and harmlessness depend on the quality of the paint used, with which the image is applied to the canvas.
Enamel paint and oil paints contain a number of toxic substances: benzene, toluene, arsenic, cadmium and xelon.
These are volatile compounds that are released into the air when working with paint.
In principle, these warnings are understandable. Polyurethane foam is a flammable material, easily flammable (like many other materials in aerosol containers). Cured polyurethane foam is not dangerous. Unless, of course, you set it on fire on purpose. Plus, there are fire-resistant sealants on the market designed for installing fire doors and other similar structures. Some manufacturers can read on the cylinders that work with foam should take place in well-ventilated areas. Plus, it is recommended to wear a mask and gloves. Indeed, polyurethane foam is toxic. How dangerous is it to work with her? Diphenylmethane diisocyanate is a key material for the production of rigid polyurethane foams. Substances such as freon, pentane, for example, are used for foaming. As a result of the interaction of all components, polyurethane foam is formed.
Professional builders most often know about the negative properties of certain materials, but ordinary people may not even know about them. Manufacturers, focused primarily on profit, may remain silent about them. How to reduce the harmful effects of polystyrene foam? First of all, you should think about competent and high-quality interior decoration of the room.
Attention
Several layers of finishing material will help you isolate yourself from the foam layer. Because this material releases harmful substances under the influence of direct sun rays, then the outside will require a high-quality finish. Foam skirting boards and insulation Foam plastic, as an inexpensive, fairly durable and easy-to-process material, is now quite actively used in construction.
On the building materials market today you can see not only foam insulation, but also Decoration Materials: polystyrene foam baseboards.
Harmful to health frame structures become due to poor sealing of mineral wool insulation, which is most often used in this type of building. By her own mineral wool It is not dangerous, but its fibers contain dangerous microparticles that can be carried throughout the room even with a slight breeze. PVC structures The material, which is called PVC, is the development of German and American scientists. This material was obtained as a result of work aimed at the disposal of chemical warfare agents, in large quantities accumulated after the Second World War. This material itself is not dangerous; it releases harmful compounds when exposed to direct sunlight. Carpet The popularity of carpet in interior decoration is determined by its ease of use and aesthetic characteristics.
Polyurethane foam is used to seal various holes in walls, window and door frames. When the question arises whether polyurethane foam can be used in a steam room, it is important to study what benefits it has and whether it can harm human health. What material can it be replaced for finishing the steam room?
Polyurethane foam is a flammable material
Brief information about the material
Installation foam is a flammable material that is easily ignited. Therefore, it must be used very carefully. When using the material, be sure to remember the following warnings from the manufacturers:
- it is forbidden to spray foam near fire;
- When working with installation foam, smoking is prohibited;
- foam must not be heated over electric or gas stove, or a fire;
- It is recommended to use only hot water to heat it;
- You need to work with foam in ventilated rooms, protecting your hands with gloves and your respiratory tract with a mask.
The applied solid polyurethane foam no longer poses a danger. You can also additionally use special fire-resistant sealants.
Scope of application of the material
Foam for installation consists of diphenylmethane diisocyanate, freon, pentane and other substances that form polyurethane foam. Therefore, it is used for construction, sealing blocks of windows and doors, insulating pipes carrying water, sealing cracks and seams, insulating walls, roofs, and floors. Sometimes foam is used in the construction of a bathhouse.
Since polyurethane foam is produced in cans with pressure inside, it must be used carefully, according to the instructions.
When heated, the foam releases harmful substances
What is the danger of the material?
Foam for installation has a negative effect on the human body. The substances that make up the foam can provoke allergies, asthmatic reactions, affect the respiratory system, and suppress the immune system. Therefore, foam should be used carefully, following all safety rules.
Foam is dangerous when heated, since in this case it emits harmful substances. Therefore, it is not recommended to be used for finishing the inside of a sauna or bathhouse. Otherwise, vacationers will breathe chemical fumes and may get severe poisoning.
Using foam in the bath
If the bathhouse is built using frames, you can use foam for installation when constructing the walls. It will not adversely affect human health, since the foam will be closed on top by walls.
If the foam is used to create a sheathing to which the lining will be attached, if it is incorrect installation work, perhaps it will evaporate inside the bath. Which is hazardous to health.
When used outside for finishing doors or windows, Makroflex installation foam will not cause harm to health if it is covered from above wooden planks or plaster. If the foam is used directly inside the bathhouse, then vacationers will breathe chemical fumes. It is also important to take into account that foam does not like moisture. Therefore for interior decoration In steam rooms, it is recommended to use tow or other safer and more natural materials.
Technical characteristics of polyurethane foam
In addition to tow, you can replace the foam in the bath with moss. Because wooden steam room must breathe. Moss will last a long time and will not cause harm to health.
Expert opinions on the use of foam in the steam room
Most experts say that you should never use polyurethane foam for a steam room! Since an environmentally friendly bathhouse should be built only from high-quality, natural materials. The following arguments for this statement are given.
- In places where people spend a lot of time, foam containing chemicals that are harmful to health should not be used.
- Foam for installation is considered a harsh chemical that absorbs moisture well. Accumulated moisture will cause microbes to multiply. In addition, the foam cannot withstand sudden changes in temperature and humidity. This must be taken into account when constructing a steam room, since a bathhouse is not a window into concrete house, which has a constant temperature and can be sealed with polyurethane foam.
- Contact with wood in a damp room will cause rapid rotting under the applied foam. The only advantage of the material is that you can quickly fill all the holes with it. But a quick result is not a good result.
- It is also important to remember that polyurethane foam in construction must be covered with plaster or cement on top. In the bathhouse, you can’t close the foam. It is recommended to even lay out the lining with a gap so that everything can breathe. Otherwise, the wood will quickly begin to rot, and the ecology inside the steam room will deteriorate.
Experts' conclusion: using foam in a steam room is harmful to health
The conclusion of experts on the issue of using foam for installation in a steam room: the use of such material for the construction of a bathhouse is strictly prohibited if the building is being built for the purpose of healing and quality rest without undesirable consequences in the form of poisoning.
Harvesting moss for a bath
To feel great in the steam room, it is recommended to seal the cracks with moss instead of foam. Since it cannot be bought in stores, you can prepare the material yourself.
In autumn, when in swampy places less water, you must select clean place using your hands or a pitchfork. Since it is recommended to lay out moss wet, it must be carefully collected from the swamp and placed in bags in layers.
You can ask local residents of the village or city about where to find a place with moss.
When collecting moss, you don't have to worry about it being dirty. Since 95% of the material in the process of laying in a row is cleared of wild rosemary, blueberry bushes and other debris.
Collected moss must be stored under film in the summer. In this form, it will not dry out under the influence of heat. In winter, the material is stored in any form in bags. Moss does not rot and is not afraid of moisture. Therefore, it can be stored for a long time and will not spoil.
To build a bathhouse and decorate it, use only natural quality materials. The steam room should improve health, and not harm it with chemical fumes. It is important to invest a lot of money in high-quality materials once, rather than spend it in the future on restoring health after chemical poisoning.
A fascinating and simple description of the properties of polyurethane foam is in the next video.
Industry does not stand still and today, along with its excellent and useful achievements, we are faced with the phenomenon of harmful materials and compounds. Some of these substances have significant Negative influence on human health and well-being.
Oddly enough, we can also find some of the many harmful substances in construction.
Due to the use of low-quality materials or non-compliance with installation rules, we are faced with the fact that our apartments become simply dangerous to health and living.
Facts and consequences of using non-ecological materials in house construction
- the air in some residential premises is several times more harmful than on busy highways;
- more than half of those killed in fires die not from burns, but from poisoning by vapors of harmful substances formed when certain building materials are heated;
- The environmental friendliness of many materials presented on the construction market is highly questionable (60% of them are dangerous to human health).
Let's look at the most common building materials that can be dangerous.
SIP panels
This construction technology is considered by many to be inexpensive and harmless. However, if we consider it in more detail, then one can doubt these determinants.
This technology for building houses is not much inferior to others in price, and upon careful consideration it becomes clear that it is not so harmless.
The fact is that when building a house, specially designed panels (sip panels) are used, which, in fact, are foam boards, which are covered with wood boards on both sides.
OSB boards consist of compressed and glued wood chips. The adhesive used to form the boards releases some formaldehyde, but the amount is not significant.
The biggest concern is. Because OSB boards are after all wood material, and wood has the ability to “breathe”, they freely allow benzene to pass through, which is released. Therefore, benzene levels in a sip panel home are likely to be high.
Despite the fact that houses made from sip panels are very warm and quite durable, a significant disadvantage of sip panels is that they are easily flammable and burn very quickly. In addition, during combustion, polystyrene foam releases toxins that are deadly if inhaled even in small quantities. It only takes three breaths to cause death. The toxic gas phosgene, released in large quantities during the burning of polystyrene foam, causes paralysis of the respiratory tract.
Expanded polystyrene formwork
Expanded polystyrene blocks used for installing formwork began to be used in construction both in Russia and abroad relatively recently.
Construction mixtures
When purchasing building mixtures, strictly monitor their quality. Only original mixtures from reputable manufacturers can meet all safety requirements.
It is best to purchase building mixtures, like other materials, in serious specialized construction stores that value their reputation and therefore monitor the quality of the product.
Polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foam is a very convenient material used in construction to seal window and door openings at the time of their installation. It contains the toxic poison formaldehyde. A significant proportion of this poison is released immediately when working with polyurethane foam.
After hardening, the release of harmful substances is reduced. When used on small areas formaldehyde emissions are insignificant and cannot cause damage, do not leave the foam open, always close it and isolate it from sunlight.
Wallpaper
Wallpapers are available today in a large number of varieties. You can choose not only from a huge number of colors, shades and patterns, but also materials.