There is increasing concern regarding health hazards
of isocyanates & TDI.
From inception we decided we would endeavour to develop
a foam system that was based on MDI (methylene di-phenyl di-isocyanate)
rather than TDI (toluene di-isocyanate). This decision was based on the
world’s increasing concern regarding both the short and long term
health hazards of isocyanates in general, and TDI in particular.
The main health hazard associated with isocyanates is inhalation
of vapour or aerosol, which causes serious respiratory problems. When
blowing rigid foams such as surfboard blanks, there is an additional hazard
of partially-cured foam dust which becomes airborne in the demoulding
process.
MDI is by far the least hazardous of the commonly available
isocyanates, since its vapour pressure (which is an indication of how
easily it evaporates) is some 2500 times less than that of TDI at ambient
temperatures. This fact makes handling, storage and utilization of the
chemical much safer and thereby much easier especially regarding unforeseen
occurrences, such as accidental spillages.
Another problem regarding TDI is that there is increasing evidence that
it is carcinogenic and may well soon be classified as such under European
regulations (source “Urethanes
Technology” June/July 1998).
By using MDI, we are confident that we are much less likely to cause health
problems either to ourselves or to people in the immediate neighbourhood.
The main disadvantage of MDI is that it is considerably more expensive
than TDI adding around 50% to our raw material costs so making us less
profitable. This we feel is a small price to pay for a clear conscience.
We hope that our customers will feel the same. If they don’t, there
is a very real likelihood of blank production going to developing countries
where health and safety policies tend to be less rigorously pursued.
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