US DOT Confirms Safe Transit Status of Spray Polyurethane Foam

WASHINGTON, D.C. - April 19, 2011 – The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) recently applauded the work of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the agency’s decision to continue to classify polyurethane (PU) foam as a nonhazardous material for purposes of commercial transportation. 

“Polyurethane foam is a versatile material that can be found in many valuable consumer and industrial products, such as insulation and automobiles. We commend DOT for their work on this review and their thoughtful consideration of the comments they received from CPI and 28 others who were united in their view about safe transport procedures. As consumer demand for PU foam continues to grow, manufacturers and businesses can be assured that they will not have an unnecessary impediment to transporting flexible, durable polyurethane foam,” said Lee Salamone, senior director of CPI.

DOT’s decision was in response to a petition filed by the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) which sought to classify PU foam and certain finished products containing PU foam as hazardous materials for purposes of transportation in commerce. 

In the decision, which appeared in the April 6 Federal Register, DOT—through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)—announced it was denying the petition, saying, A PU fire does not require special firefighting agents, procedures, or protective equipment and, therefore, does not pose an unreasonable danger to first responders…PU foam is not designated as a hazardous material because it is not considered a substance or material capable of posing an acute or unreasonable risk to health, safety and property when transported in commerce.

PHMSA cited the input of ACC, in particular the impressive economic contributions of the PU industry. Data provided at that time indicated that the total production of polyurethane in the United States was approximately 6,692,500 pounds. ACC estimated that the polyurethanes industry directly creates 47,500 jobs paying $2 billion in wages to its employees and generates $19.7 billion in revenues.

“The costs associated with implementing the petition would far exceed the benefits,” PHMSA’s statement concluded.

“CPI and our members are committed to the responsible use and stewardship of polyurethanes. We are in complete agreement with DOT that the safe and proper commercial transportation of PU foam does not pose an unreasonable hazard to firefighters or first responders. Moreover, we believe that the appropriate use of polyurethanes offer combined social and economic benefits that are unquantifiable,” Salamone said.

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The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) of the American Chemistry Council promotes the sustainable growth of the polyurethanes industry by identifying and managing issues that could impact the industry, in cooperation with user groups. Its members include the nation’s leading producers and distributors of chemicals and equipment used to make polyurethane and manufacture polyurethane products. CPI provides a single, strong and credible voice to advocate on behalf of the interests of the U.S. polyurethanes industry. The business of polyurethanes is a $56.1 billion enterprise, supports about 220,000 jobs, and is a key element of the nation’s economy. 

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care®, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $674 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation’s largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation’s critical infrastructure.