§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what warnings are given to the owners of industrial and commercial premises and householders about the toxic properties of polyurethane foams and in particular the danger from isocyanite fumes, where 758W such material is used or stored on their premises.
§ Mr. John GrantI have been asked to reply.
I am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that polyurethane foams do not possess toxic properties and in normal use do not cause danger from isocyanite fumes. The foams are, however, highly flammable, and toxic fumes, including isocyanites, are given off by the foams when they are on fire. The fire risks from polyurethane foams, and emission of toxic fumes from burning foam, are well recognised by Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate, and the dangers have been drawn to the attention of industry and commerce for a number of years. Warnings about these toxic fumes are given in the Health and Safety Executive Technical Data Note 29 (REV) entitled "Fire Risk in the Storage and Industrial Use of Cellular Plastics". This publication is available free to the public on application to the local offices of the Health and Safety Executive, and I am sending a copy to the hon. Member.
Specific information and warnings on the dangers have not been addressed to householders, but the above information is freely available to them.
A film entitled "Polyurethane Foam: Fire Risk in Industry " has been made for Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate which makes reference to these dangers, and this film is available for hire from the Health and Safety Executive.