The Role of Polyurethane Foam Indoors in the Fate of Flame Retardants and Other Semivolatile Organic Compounds

Abstract

Flame retardant chemicals are added to polyurethane foams (PUFs) during production. These chemicals are released to the environment during the use of PUF containing furniture or building materials. In contrast, organic pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, synthetic musk compounds, and volatile organic compounds could be sorbed by PUF depending on the concentration gradient, ambient temperature, and the physicochemical properties. Most of these substances tend to accumulate by adhering to organic matter in dust, particles, and surfaces, as they do not degrade for long periods of time. Sorption-emission cycles of PUF-associated organic compounds prolong their presence in indoor environments, which could increase human exposure. Since these organic compounds might have carcinogenic or chronic-toxic health effects on living organisms, it is important to understand the role of PUF in exposure to these substances in indoor environments. This chapter reviews the literature on the relationship of organic substances with PUF in indoor environments.