Standard grades of fillers are as follows:-

           S Grade           -Expanded polyethylene cross-linked 24 kg/m³

          V Grade          -Expanded polyethylene cross-linked 33 kg/m³

          N Grade          -Expanded polyethylene cross-linked 45 kg/m³

          PC4                 -Expanded polyethylene cross-linked 34 kg/m³

          PC7                 -Expanded polyethylene cross-linked 47 kg/m³

          PC9                 -Expanded polyethylene cross-linked 79 kg/m³

          N Grade FR    -Expanded polyethylene cross-linked with FR additives 45 kg/m³

          R1025             -E.P.D.M. Synthetic Rubber 115 kg/m³

          R5025             -E.P.D.M. Synthetic Rubber 115 kg/m³

          RF25X            -E.P.D.M. Synthetic Rubber on cross-linked polyethylene

                                 115 kg/m³ on 29 kg/m³

              POTENTIAL HAZARDS

 Toxicity

 Materials are chemically unreactive and tests have demonstrated that they are biologically inert. 

Inhalation - (Fume Evolution)

There is no release of any noxious fumes from fillers at ambient temperature 

Ingestion

Ingestion of fillers should be avoided, although the materials are inert and can be regarded as toxilogically harmless except for some flame retardant grades containing additives which could be harmful if swallowed.

 Physical Contact

Materials used in the manufacture of fillers are considered not to be skin irritants but since the basic polymers for P.E. are fairly hard, under some circumstances foams can have a minor abrasive effect on skin. Particles of foam may cause some physical irritation if they get into the eyes. No cases of allergic reaction to materials used in the manufacture of P.E. fillers have been confirmed in over 20 years of use. Some people however, have an allergic reaction to rubbers of all types which may therefore apply to E.P.D.M. fillers, but these circumstances are rare. 

Fire, Ignition and Burning Characteristics

When P.E. fillers are heated in air, softening will occur at 105-115°C and decomposition will occur at about 300°C. Above this temperature P.E. fillers will pyrolise oxidatively to produce carbon monoxide and water plus small amounts of various hydrocarbons and aldehydes. The evolved gases may ignite, and if they do they will provide heat of combustion pyrolysing more foam and any other material in the vicinity. Under flaming conditions the main combustion products are carbon dioxide and water, although if insufficient oxygen is present, or when the flame is extinguished, the smoke may contain appreciable quantities of carbon monoxide, acrolein and other aldehydes. Burning can be accompanied by the release of flaming molten droplets of polymer which could ignite adjacent flammable materials. The Flame Retardant grade contains toxic additives designed to reduce the ignitability and flame spread from small heat sources. In a full- scale fire these materials can burn to give dense black smoke and acrid fumes.

 When E.P.D.M. is heated, surface degradation will take place above 160°C after various periods of time and will pyrolise at about 300°C, producing carbon monoxide, small amounts of various hydrocarbons and solid particulate matter. The evolved gases may ignite and if they do, will provide heat of combustion, pyrolysing other material in the vicinity. 

These comments can only be of a general nature since the conditions of a real fire cannot be fully predicted.

Fire - Action in the Event of a Fire Involving Fillers

Any commonly available extinguisher may be used. Water, particularly in the form of a spray, has been found to be very effective but may be inadvisable in certain circumstances; e.g. in close proximity to electrical installations. It is recommended that advice should be sought from the local Fire Authority on fire fighting equipment and procedure.

 RECOMMENDED FIRST AID TREATMENT

 Eye Injuries

Any material entering the eye should be flushed with copious amounts of water. Medical attention should be obtained if soreness or redness persists.

 Inhalation of Fumes (from overheated material)

An affected person should be removed as quickly as possible into fresh air, kept warm and artificial respiration applied as necessary. Medical attention should be obtained immediately.

Burns

Any molten material on the skin should be cooled as quickly as possible, e.g. in cold water, but should not be pulled off. Medical attention should be obtained immediately.

 Ingestion

Rinse mouth with water and obtain medical attention.

 Nasal and Aural

If small sections of material becomes lodged in the passages of the ears or nose, medical attention should be sought for their removal. 

Medical Attention

It is important that medical staff should be advised of the nature of material being handled and its likely decomposition products.