The Culprit

Methylene Bisphenyl Isocyanate (MDI) is used in hundreds of materials, such as fire retardants, protective coatings, automobile bumper components, and rigid foams found in almost every refrigerator and freezer in existence. It is also an essential part of any spray-on bed liner.

This extremely useful chemical must be used with caution. As a vapor, it is a very powerful respiratory sensitizer, as well as an eye, skin, & mucous membrane irritant. Exposure to high concentrations cause cough, shortness of breath, increased secretions, and chest pains. OSHA’s maximum amount or concentration of MDI that a worker may be exposed to is 20ppb.

The Claim

Some bedliner companies have been making big claims about the safety of application when it comes to their products. Even going as for as commissioning independent labs to conducts MDI level tests of their spray areas. They are even so bold as to tell you how effective their ventilation system removes vapors from the workplace. This should be a big red flag.

The Truth

A system that requires a custom ventilation system not only doesn’t sound safe, it also definitely doesn’t sound portable. This doesn’t even take into account the extra air compressor and air dryer that have to go with the system, not to mention the size of the generator needed to operate everything for real portability. Be careful about systems that make these types of claims. These alleged low pressure systems still require at least 50psi in order to move enough air to effectively spread the liner effectively. Only Vortex has the patented Whisper-Jet™ technology which can move higher volumes of air with only 8psi.

The extra pressure these systems require greatly increases atomization and spreads a cloud of overspray into the spray area. A Vortex system does not require a spray booth or special ventilation system in order to achieve a safe work environments. With only 8psi of pressure, Vortex virtually eliminates overspray and mess.

When your looking at a spray on bed-liner system, think what safe really is, as well as what it costs to achieve safe. When looking at the costs to start a business, ask about the need for a special spray environment and additional startup costs in order to even operate at what is considered legally safe.