This chart of harmful chemicals in sealants and caulks more fully lists specific chemicals, which sealants they may be found in and potential hazards. The chart is in order from most to least problematic toxin. There also are links from the chemical names to data sheets that detail both the acute—or short-term—effects and those that are long term or chronic. Definitions of the top hazards also can be found by clicking on those listings.
Warning Level* | Type of Sealant | Chemical | Purpose | Top Hazards (Hover Mouse for Description) |
Purple - very high concern | MS Polyether | 2, 4 di tert-butyl-6-(5-chlorobenzotriazole-2-yl)phenol | UV stabilizer | Bioaccumulation toxin |
Purple - very high concern | Silicone | Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane | Intermediate for silicone copolymers | Bioaccumulation toxin; Developmental hazards |
Purple - very high concern | MS Polyether | Dibutyltin bis (acetylacetonate) | Catalyst | Bioaccumulation toxin |
Purple - very high concern | Silicone | Dibutyltin dilaurate | Catalyst | Bioaccumulation toxin; Developmental hazards |
Purple - very high concern | Silicone | Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane | Intermediate for silicone copolymers | Bioaccumulation toxin |
Purple - very high concern | Spray Polyurethane Foam | Tris (1-chloro-2-propyl)phosphate (TCPP) | Fire protection | Bioaccumulation toxin; Reproductive harm |
Red - High Concern | Silicone | 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid | By-product of curing process | Reproductive harm; Developmental hazards |
Red - High Concern | Silicone | Petroleum Distillates Hydrotreated Middle | Solvent | Cancer |
Red - High Concern | Acrylic Latex; MS Polyether; Polyurethane | Phthalates | Plasticizer | Reproductive harm; Asthma |
Red - High Concern | Acrylic Latex; MS Polyether; Butyl | Quartz/Silica | Filler | Cancer |
Red - High Concern | Silicone | Siloxanes and Silicones | Building block of silicone | Bioaccumulation toxin |
Red - High Concern | Acrylic Latex; Butyl; Polyurethane | Stoddard Solvent | Solvent | Cancer; Reproductive harm |
Red - High Concern | Polyurethane; Spray Polyurethane Foam | TDI | Building block of polyurethane | Cancer; Asthma |
Red - High Concern | Polyurethane; Butyl; Acrylic Latex; Silicone; MS Polyether | Titanium Dioxide | Pigment, Filler | Cancer |
Red - High Concern | Silicone | Toluene | Solvent | Developmental hazards; Reproductive harm |
Red - High Concern | Polyurethane | Xylene | Solvent | Reproductive harm; Developmental hazards |
Orange - medium concern | Acrylic Latex | Ammonium Hydroxide | pH Adjuster | Asthma |
Orange - medium concern | Polyurethane; Spray Polyurethane Foam | MDI | Building block of polyurethane | Cancer; Asthma |
Orange - medium concern | Silicone | Methyl ethyl ketone | Solvent | Developmental hazards; Developmental hazards |