What’s in Foam?

LearnArticlesWhat’s in Polyurethane Foam?

Published June 25, 2024   |    Updated February 24, 2026

The origin story of foam starts millions of years ago. Tiny organisms were buried under layers of sediment, compressed over time, and eventually became crude oil — a mixture of hydrocarbons including methane and benzene. A small fraction of that petroleum gets refined into the two chemicals that make foam: diisocyanates and polyols. Watch the video above for the full origin arc, and see the complete foam safety guide including certifications, latex alternatives, EVA vs. TPU, and more, on the foam guide.

Dr. Meg Christensen

Dr. Meg Christensen is the founder of Interior Medicine, a physician-reviewed resource on non-toxic home products and household exposures. Her layer-by-layer analysis of materials and products draws on her background in medicine, biochemistry, epidemiology, and clinical research.

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