Submitted by: Todd Herman

Spray foam is a chemical compound used in packaging,building and insulation.It is also known as polyurethane.It was developed by Germans just before the second world war began.It was used for military application to planes and it is not until year nineteen seventy when it started being applied to domestic and commercial uses.Spray foam is made of polyol and isocyanates which are mixed in a ratio of one is to one in an exothermic reaction to give polyurethane.The reaction is aided by catalysts which speed-en up the rate of reaction.During manufacture,carbon(IV)oxide,water or propellant HFC-245fa are added depending on the purpose the polyurethane is to be used for. Spray foam is used in two main components:high pressure component and low pressure component.

High pressure component involves the production of polyurethane from a storage can under high pressure through carbon(iv)oxide.High pressure component is mostly used for open cell applications due to its high dispersion rate.High pressure component work should be left solely to skilled personnel.Open cell applications include insulation of large surfaces,sealing roofs and sealing other materials from air.Low pressure component involves the production of polyurethane from a can through hydro-fluorocarbons(HFCs).The low pressure allows the spray foam to be applied by an average adult.Low pressure component is suitable for closed cell applications.Such applications include air-tight sealing,small high accuracy insulation activities and anti-weathering activities.In addition,low pressure component can be used to fill crevices,cracks and holes around windows,doors and walls to avoid wastage of energy.In any case,polyurethane should not be allowed near children due to its toxic properties.

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Polyurethane has significant advantages over other chemicals of the same application.The carbon footprint of polyurethane is low.Moreover,it is mostly transported in liquid form.This reduces the probability of having explosions from pressurized cans.In addition,the sources of raw materials for its manufacture are renewable.Polyols are obtained from castor oil seeds while isocyanates are obtained from recycled plastics.

Polyurethane is poisonous.People may be exposed to it during its manufacture or during application.When being manufactured,the workers may be exposed due to leakages.For the users,failure to take preventive measures may lead to exposure to the compound while it is still in its gaseous state.In addition,applications to heat generating activities such as drilling, welding or fires can cause the solid polyurethane to change to gaseous form in which it is inhaled.Exposure can also occur when the victim encounters dust combined with unreacted polyol or isocyanates.When polyurethane enters the human body,the victim is likely to suffer from asthma,skin and eye irritation,respiratory complications and lung damage.Due to this,those likely to be exposed to this chemical(manufacturers and appliers)should dress in chemical resistant clothing and gloves,wear eye protective goggles and face-sealed respirators.In addition,they should go for regular health checkups in case of any anomaly unaccounted for.During application of spray foam,all unprotected personnel should be evacuated.

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