GREEN INDUSTRY HAZARDS: INSULATION OR SEALING OF HOMES AND BUSINESSES USING SPRAY POLYURETHANE FOAM (SPF)/ISOCYANATES

GREEN INDUSTRY HAZARDS: INSULATION OR SEALING OF HOMES AND BUSINESSES USING SPRAY POLYURETHANE FOAM (SPF)/ISOCYANATES

Environmentally friendly doesn’t necessarily mean worker friendly.  In many cases, new “green” technologies and products have reached the market without being adequately evaluated to determine whether they pose health or safety risks to workers in manufacture, deployment, or use. Spray polyurethane foam—commonly referred to as SPF—is a case in point. Its use as insulation has been on the upswing because of the laudable aim of builders and property owners to improve energy efficiency. As popular as it has become, however, much remains unknown about spray polyurethane foam—specifically the health implications of its amines, glycols, and phosphate upon workers.

Polyurethane foam has a high R-factor (or R-value), so it resists the flow of heat and, when used as insulation, increases a building’s energy efficiency. Because of this, it has become a favorite in the world of energy-conscious construction and renovation. While better insulation clearly means less energy consumption, what’s not clear is the level of protection and ventilation workers need so that they remain safe during the installation process.  We have included quite a few pictures in this blog showing workers not wearing the recommended personal protection when they apply the chemicals. 

We want to point out that the residents or employee exposure to the isocyanates is an emerging health issue and that very few epidemiologic studies are currently available on acute or long term effects on properly installed polyurethane foam.  However, if an installation is not properly done, then the risk is there for acute and chronic effects to the building occupants – there is no argument about that.

IN JULY 2014, CALIFORNIA PROPOSED TO IDENTIFY A SPRAY FOAM INGREDIENT, MDI, as a Toxic Air Contaminant Especially Affecting Infants and Children

Under Health and Safety code Section 39669.5, California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) establishes and maintains a list of Toxic Air Contaminants (TACs) that may disproportionately impact infants and children.  OEHHA evaluates TACs for addition to this list as we develop Reference Exposure Levels for TACs.  Monomeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and polymeric MDI, was identified by the Air Resources Board (ARB) as a toxic air contaminant (TAC) in accordance with section 39657(b) of the California Health and Safety Code (Title 17, California Code of Regulations, section 93001) (CCR, 2007). MDI has been shown to cause asthmatic reactions in sensitized asthmatic adults in controlled exposure studies, and in non-sensitized children with asthma as well as asthma-like effects in normal children exposed acutely to the diisocyanate MDI in an accidental exposure (Jan et al., 2008). OEHHA considers asthma a disease that disproportionately impacts children, and thus chemicals that induce or exacerbate asthma are considered more impactful for children (OEHHA, 2001). In addition, an animal study has shown that younger rats are more sensitive to the acute effects of MDI than young adult rats (Reuzel et al., 1994b). In view of the potential of MDI to exacerbate asthma and the differential impacts of asthma on children including higher prevalence rates, OEHHA recommends that MDI be identified as a TAC that may disproportionally impact children pursuant to Health and Safety Code, Section 39669.5(c).

What is Spray Foam?

Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is a spray-applied plastic that can form a continuous insulation and air sealing barrier on walls, roofs, around corners, and on all contoured surfaces.  It is made by mixing and reacting unique liquid components at the job site to create foam.  The liquids react very quickly when mixed, expanding on contact to create foam that insulates, seals gaps, and can form moisture and vapor barriers.  SPF insulation is known to resist heat transfer extremely well, and it offers a highly effective solution in reducing unwanted air infiltration through cracks, seams, and joints.

Types of Spray Polyurethane Foam

There are three primary types of SPF that can be used for insulation and other specific purposes:

High Density: often used for exterior and roofing applications

Medium Density: often used for continuous insulation, interior cavity fill, and unvented attic applications

Low Density: often used for interior cavity fill and unvented attic applications

Medium and High Density SPF are frequently called “closed-cell foam” because they use an internal closed cell structure that improves thermal resistance and other properties. Low Density SPF is frequently called “open-cell foam” because the cell structure includes tiny holes in the cells to provide improved drying capability and flexibility.  Each product offers unique benefits that a professional SPF contractor can explain and help people determine which types of foam will be most appropriate for a specific building, climate, and project. Beyond the structure of the foam itself, the other significant difference relates to how it is created and installed.  The main delivery systems include:

• High-pressure, two-component foam

• Low-pressure, two-component foam SPF kits

High-pressure, two-component foam is often used to insulate large areas on new construction or major renovations of walls and roofing systems. For a typical high-pressure SPF application, a spray rig (truck or trailer) that houses the spray foam ingredients, air supply and other items is parked near the building to be sprayed. Hoses up to about 300 feet in length deliver the liquid ingredients to the application area.

Low-pressure, two-component SPF kits or refillable cylinders are smaller, portable systems that can insulate and air-seal small to mid-sized areas. This type of foam is usually applied around duct work, electrical or piping penetrations, rim joists and roof repairs. Both high-pressure and low-pressure foams are applied by professional spray foam applicators.

Chemicals

Overview of Spray Polyurethane Foam

Spray polyurethane foam is a thermoset cellular plastic insulating material formed by combining methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and a polyol blend.  The reaction between these two materials releases heat and within a few minutes foam is formed and is typically no longer tacky or sticky.  In the United States, MDI is known as the A-Side (or Component A) and the polyol blend is known as the B-Side (Component B).

Component Materials Health Risks

MDI (A-Side or Isocyanate Side):

MDI has a potential risk of irritation and sensitization through inhalation and skin contact.  Exposure can affect skin, eyes, and lungs. Once sensitized, continuing exposure can cause persistent or progressive symptoms and even life-threatening asthmatic reactions, so remove sensitized people from potential exposure activities.  Wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with MDI.

See the manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for more detailed information on potential health effects.

Polyol Blend (Resin or B-side):

The B-side formulations for SPF use five basic chemical classes: polyols, blowing agents, catalysts, flame retardants and surfactants.  The polyol blend has a potential health risk of irritation to the respiratory system, skin, and eyes. Wear the proper PPE when working with polyol blends.  See the manufacturer’s MSDS for more detailed information on potential health effects.

Cured Foam:

The polyurethane foam that forms from the reaction of the A- and B-side chemicals is considered essentially inert and non-hazardous when properly installed and cured. Avoid exposing the polyurethane foam to extreme heat (>200°F) or open flame due to the possibility that such extreme heat can ignite the foam.

OUR PERSONAL CONTACT WITH THE ISOCYANATES

In 1987 I purchased a pair of leather gloves lined with wool for the cold winters of Illinois.  Immediately after I wore then for an hour or so I developed a very significant rush in both of my hands, along with swelling.  My hands almost doubled in size.  I removed the gloves and within few days my hands were back to normal.  Few weeks later, I tried the gloves again, only to have the same reaction.  I then realized that something is wrong with these gloves.  I had them tested at the University chemistry lab and the results came positive for isocyanates and particularly MDI.  Apparently, the isocyanates are combined with other polymers to enhance adhesion performance of the synthetic textile fibers.  I was allergic to these isocyanates.  After I got my PhD in Environmental Engineering, I became more intimately familiar with the manufacture and application of these compounds in everyday life.  They are everywhere.  Some people are allergic to some of them, other people are allergic to different compounds.  I am not allergic to fiberglass insulation, but my brother in law will develop blisters even if he comes close to it.  So, we believe that there are people who are sensitive to the chemicals and may develop allergies, asthma and other health issues.

I worked in the theatrical scenery industry for 20 years for a company with no respiratory protection program, where urethane spray foam was used constantly.  The thing about spray foam is that is doesn’t have an overpowering odor, which makes one less concerned about breathing the vapors.  Stronger labeling by manufacturer’s right on the canisters such as a big red WARNING sign would be helpful for people who are not instructed properly and the employer does not provide MSDS.  In my last year at that company I developed chest pains and breathing problems.  I did not suspect it was urethane vapors making me so ill.  Improper mixing will also sometimes emit liquids that will never solidify and leak into wood and other porous materials. Spray foam is used commonly in the theatrical industry for such things as texture, large sculpture, and other applications that it is not intended for.

WHAT ARE THE ISOCYANATES?

Isocyanates have been used in the United States since the 1950s, and are produced by reacting a primary aliphatic or aromatic amine dissolved in a solvent such as xylene or monochlorobenzene with phosgene dissolved in the same solution.  They contain two OASH-NCO cyanato groups attached to an organic radical, and react exothermically with compounds containing active hydrogen atoms to form a polymeric mass (polyurethane). This polyurethane is then used in the production of rigid or flexible foams, surface coatings, paints, electrical wire insulation, adhesives, rubbers and fibers.

The most common forms of isocyanates are toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and Hexamethylene Diisocyanate (HDI).   TDI is popular for producing many paints and coatings, along with flexible foam, which is used in making cushions for automobiles, furniture and mattresses.  MDI is commonly used in the production of adhesives, automobile bumpers, shoe soles, coated fabrics and spandex fibers.  It can also be found in paints.

MDI is used in the manufacturing of rigid foams, and must be heated before causing asthma-like conditions when inhaled as an aerosol.  This makes MDI somewhat less hazardous than TDI, so it has been replacing TDI in certain applications.  HDI is mainly used to make polyurethane foams and coatings it is also used as a hardener in in automobile and airplane paint. Exposure can cause an allergic asthma-like response with coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

Some less common forms of isocyanates include:

o        napthylene diisocyanate (NDI)

o        polymethylene bisphenylisocyanate (PAPI)

Asthma and other Effects of Isocyanates

Isocyanates have been determined to be the leading attributable cause of work-related asthma (NIOSH, 2004).  TDI is a liquid at room temperature, and can cause asthma-like conditions when inhaled as an aerosol (such as spray paint).   Repeated exposures to isocyanates have been shown to exacerbate existing asthmatic conditions (Mapp, 2005).  Isocyanates are the key materials used to produce polyurethane polymers.  These polymers are found in common materials such as polyurethane foams, thermoplastic elastomers, spandex fibers, and polyurethane paints. Isocyanates are the raw materials that make up all polyurethane products.   Exposures may also occur during the thermal degradation of polyurethane products (e.g., burning or heating at high temperatures).  

OSHA has Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) for Methylene bisphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and 2,4 toluene diisocyanate TDI of 0.02 ppm.  This corresponds to 0.20 mg/m3 for MDI and 0.14 mg/m3 for TDI.   Health effects of isocyanate exposure include irritation of skin and mucous membranes, chest tightness, and difficult breathing. Isocyanates include compounds classified as potential human carcinogens and known to cause cancer in animals. The main effects of hazardous exposures are sensitization which can lead to work-related asthma (sometimes called occupational asthma) and other lung problems, as well as irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin.

Below is a list of jobs with potential isocyanate exposures and materials that may contain isocyanates.  It is important to understand additional sources of isocyanate exposures, especially for those already sensitized or with asthma, in order to avoid exacerbating an existing asthmatic condition. Because isocyanate exposures can occur across multiple jobs, it is important to understand where prior exposures have occurred. In addition to SPF applications, OSHA has identified the following industries where Isocyanate worker exposures can occur – some of which use a similar material to SPF (in bold):

Potential Jobs-Related Isocyanate Exposures

·                     Automotive - paints, glues, insulation, sealants and fiber bonding, truck bed lining

·                     Casting - foundry cores

·                     Building and construction - in sealants, glues, insulation material, fillers

·                     Electricity and electronics - in cable insulation, PUR coated circuit boards

·                     Mechanical engineering - insulation material

·                     Paints – lacquers

·                     Plastics - soft and hard plastics, plastic foam and cellular plastic

·                     Printing – inks and lacquers

·                     Timber and furniture - adhesive, lacquers, upholstery stuffing and fabric

·                     Textile – synthetic textile fibers

·                     Medical care – PUR casts

·                     Mining – sealants and insulating materials

·                     Food industry – packaging materials and lacquers

·                     Shipbuilding

·                     Firefighting

Isocyanate Exposure Levels

The OSHA permissible-exposure limit (PEL) for TDI and MDI is 0.02 ppm of air as a ceiling limit. The ceiling is the highest concentration to which an employee can be exposed. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recognizes 0.005 ppm as its threshold-limit value (TLV) as an eight-hour time-weighted average and 0.02 ppm as a short-term exposure limit (STEL) for TDI, MDI and HDI.

Air Monitoring for Isocyanate

OSHA test method 42 (for TDI and HDI) and method 47 (for MDI) spell out personal-monitoring procedures for isocyanates. Samples are to be collected by drawing a known volume of air through glass fiber filters with a recommended air volume and sampling rate of 15L at 1L to 2L per minute.

You can also conduct continuous isocyanates monitoring. Many companies offer single-point monitors that can continuously monitor isocyanates for up to one month. They operate by an electro-optical sensing system, which uses a cassette-like tape. A stain occurs on the tape, and is then read in proportion to the concentration of the isocyanate.

Different cassette tapes are available. Standard-play tapes are replaced every two weeks. Extended play tapes last for a month. Datalogging monitors with alarms are also available. These types of monitors are ideal in spray-booth operations.

Effects of Isocyanate Overexposure

Exposure to isocyanates can lead to chemical bronchitis and pneumonitis. An isocyanate reaction often includes coughing, tightness of the chest, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, eye and skin irritations, gastric pain and loss of consciousness.

Continuous overexposure to isocyanates can lead to pulmonary sensitization or "isocyanate asthma." When this occurs, symptoms improve when the irritant is removed. However, acute asthma attacks occur on renewed exposure, even when the encounter is very brief or at low levels of isocyanates, and can cause death.

Skin contact can cause inflammation and necrosis, which might lead to dermatitis. Wash hands with soap and water immediately upon contact.

Personal Protective Equipment for Handling Isocyanates

Prior to OSHA’s revision to the respiratory protection standard (April 8, 1998) supplied air respirators were required to help reduce exposures to isocyanates, this was appropriate due to the poor warning properties of isocyanates.  Now air purifying respirators may be used for those compounds that have poor warning properties if the cartridge change schedule is set up.  This is because cartridge change schedules are required instead of workers relying on warning properties of compounds for cartridge change out.  Properly selected and used air-purifying respirators can be used to safely and effectively to reduce exposures to common diisocyanates. Appropriate cartridge change schedules should be developed to ensure cartridges are changed before breakthrough occurs.  OSHA allows employers to choose air-purifying respirators for diisocyanates if they are appropriate for their workplace.  A complete respiratory protection program per 29 CFR 1910.134 is necessary to ensure that respirators are selected properly and provide appropriate protection.

Isocyanates are also a hazard to the skin, hand protection such as Butyl rubber gloves or SilverShield®/4H gloves can adequately protect hands from isocyanates.  Chemical protective clothing that is rated for use to protect against isocyanates is also suggested.

Eye and face protection may also need to be considered for on the job protection as isocyanates are known to be an irritant to the eyes. 

References

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.  Worker Health Chartbook 2004. NIOSH Publication Number 2004-146

Mapp CE, Boschetto P, Maestrelli P, Fabbri LM.  (2005) Occupational Asthma.  Am J Respir Crit Care Med 172; 28/0-305.

3M Job Health Highlights-Respirator Selection for Diisocyanates, Vol 18, August, 2009

American Journal of Industrial Medicine 13:331-349 (1988) "Isocyanates and Respiratory Disease Current Status"

Clinical Allergy. 1984, Volume 14, p.329-339.

IN 2011, THE US. EPA DEVELOPED AN ACTION PLAN FOR SPRAY POLYURETHANE FOAM

Based on EPA’s screening-level review of hazard and exposure information, including information indicating uncured MDI and its related polyisocyanates are used in a range of consumer and commercial products as well as in products intended only for an industrial market, EPA intends to:

1. Issue a data call-in for uncured MDI under TSCA section 8(c) to determine if there are allegations of significant adverse effects and initiate a TSCA section 8(d) rulemaking for one-time reporting of relevant unpublished health and safety studies for uncured MDI.

2. Consider initiating a TSCA section 4 test rule to require exposure monitoring studies on uncured MDI and its related polyisocyanates in consumer products and exposure monitoring studies in representative locations where commercial products with uncured MDI and its related polyisocyanates would be used.

3. Consider initiating rulemaking under TSCA section 6 for

a.                            Consumer products containing uncured MDI, and

b.                            Commercial uses of uncured MDI products in locations where the general population could be exposed.

4. Consider identifying additional diisocyanates and their related polyisocyanates that may be present in an uncured form in consumer products that should be evaluated for regulatory and/or voluntary action.

Material (components of SPF and the final product)

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Employers are required by OSHA to provide training on MSDSs and employees need to have a full understanding of the contents of an MSDS. Employers are also required by OSHA to have MSDSs readily available on jobsites. Here is an overview of the key sections of most MSDSs for SPF-related chemicals:

Name of Product or Chemical:

• Component A (isocyanate)

• Component B (typically includes: polyol, amine catalyst, blowing agent, fire retardant, surfactant)

• Solvents

• Cleaning solutions

• Coatings

Potential hazards:

• Acute and chronic toxicity

• Irritation

• Sensitization

Personal protection equipment (PPE):

• Respiratory protection

• Eye protection

• Gloves

• Disposable coveralls or clothing that protects against exposure

• Boot covers (resistant to wear)

Storage and handling of the chemicals:

• Proper storage conditions for the materials

• Procedure and equipment/supplies to properly contain and clean a spill

Procedures in case of an accidental exposure or overexposure:

• First-aid procedures

• First aid materials to keep on the jobsite

Other information that is provided in an MSDS:

• Fire-fighting measures

• Physical and chemical properties

• Stability and reactivity

• Toxicology

• Disposal

• Transportation

• Regulatory information

Applicable Safety Standards

When establishing jobsite safety standards, a company needs to refer to the applicable safety standards. These can include, but are not limited to, the following OSHA standards:

• Hazard Communication: 29 CFR 1910.1200 and 1926.59

• Respiratory Protection: 29 CFR 1910 Part 134

• Personal Protective Equipment: 29 CFR 1910 Part 132-138 and 1926.95

• Ventilation: 29 CFR 1910.94 and 1926.57

Jobsite Preparation

Like all field-applied foams and coatings, quality control and quality assurance is critical to the successful performance of SPF roof systems. But unlike many other roofing materials, an SPF roof is assembled in the field. Materials such as extruded polystyrene foam, single-ply membranes of EPDM and TPO, and form flashings are manufactured in controlled production settings with rigorous quality processes in place. Manufacturing plants are equipped with automated systems to control temperature and humidity or to catch pumps that go off ratio so that corrections can be made before multiple runs of material are manufactured improperly.

Since SPF serves as the thermal boundary, moisture barrier and flashing, quality control is extremely important during application to ensure the system is properly “site-manufactured.” A successful application of SPF depends heavily on the applicator’s skill and the employment of a quality-control/quality-assurance plan to establish that the substrate is properly prepared, that the foam mix ratio is correct, and that proper ambient conditions are maintained.

Continuous field quality control/quality assurance is necessary throughout the application process in order to achieve a successful SPF application.

Key materials used in SPF systems include spray polyurethane foam and protective surfacing. Primers can be used to facilitate adhesion, but are not a substitute for proper surface preparation

There are many factors to consider when planning any SPF installation, such as the place of work, area of building occupancy, size of work area, and many others.  Assess any special requirements or risks before the job starts and develop a plan to address them.  Understanding ventilation requirements is essential.  For example, shut down HVAC systems during a SPF application.  System shut-down stops dust, aerosol and vapors from being drawn into the HVAC system.  For interior applications, this can help prevent airborne materials from being distributed from one part of a building to another.  Once the HVAC system is shut down, seal the air intakes with plastic sheeting and tape to prevent dust and spray from entering the system.  Some SPF manufacturers recommend that the HVAC system stay sealed and inoperable for up to 24 hours after the SPF application.  Individual SPF manufacturer’s recommendations concerning re-occupancy supersede any general recommendation.  Once you determine when an appropriate time has elapsed, based on the manufacturer’s recommendation, remove the plastic sheeting and tape.

General Preparation Steps

There are several steps to consider prior to the actual application of the foam insulation. Examples of steps to consider include:

1.       Provide a briefing for the general contractor and/or owner of the building so they can better understand the scope of the work and the safety procedures to utilize during the application process.

2.       Confirm necessary inspections associated with the other trades have been completed and approved prior to the installation of the insulation.

3.       Confirm all permits are in place prior to the spraying operation.

4.       Complete other trade work to avoid later disturbance of insulation.

5.       Install warning signs and caution tapes.

6.       Clear building occupants and non-SPF personnel from building. Consider utilizing the best practices for the use of containment and ventilation techniques detailed in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s “Ventilation Guidance for Spray Polyurethane Foam Application”: http://www.epa.gov/dfe/pubs/projects/spf/ventilation-guidance.html

7.       Designate an area for putting on and removing PPE.

Jobsite Crews and Safety Briefings

Many commercial jobsites may require contractors to conduct safety briefings with the jobsite crews. They may require that documentation of meetings be submitted to the general contractor for the project. As a good safety practice, companies may consider implementing this policy regardless of whether the job is residential or commercial in nature.  The Daily Work Log outlined in the previous section (3.1) can provide a helpful structure for developing your own work log. Daily Work Logs are also a method for improving record keeping.

Notice to Other Trades and Occupants

Vacate building occupants and non-SPF personnel from the building during the application of SPF and for a period of time following the completion of spraying. Where this is not possible or practical for large commercial buildings, the use of containment and ventilation techniques can be utilized.  For residential applications, the homeowner needs to vacate the home and return only after the specified re-occupancy time.  Communicate with other trades working in proximity to the spray application area. Giving notice to other trades is an important aspect on larger commercial projects due to the number and kinds of workers in and around the jobsite.

The focal points for this communication are the general contractor, building owner, home owner, or other responsible personnel for the project. Educate the onsite supervisor or project manager at the start of the project long before the actual spray application starts so that they have a complete understanding of the jobsite safety requirements before the beginning of the spray application process. Critical jobsite safety concerns include proximity of open flame sources and personnel to the spray application area.

General Safety Considerations

After the spray application area is secured, check the overall area and extinguish all sources of flame (e.g. pilot lights). Also, check for flue piping, lighting fixtures, and other heat producing devices.

Set up and prepare the necessary ladders, scaffolding, aerial lifts, and rigging. Once set up, perform a safety check of all the equipment to check that it is properly assembled, nothing is broken or missing, and that all safety devices are operational and in place. Check walking and work surfaces and the routing and location of process equipment hoses and electrical cords as they can present a trip hazard. If gas powered equipment is in use, vent the exhaust fumes to an open environment in order to limit the risk of a buildup of carbon monoxide in the work area.

Lockout/Tagout

Some projects may present instances where you want to consider locking out/tagging out of equipment. Lockout/tagout includes practices and procedures to safeguard employees from the unexpected energizing or startup of machinery and equipment, or the release of hazardous energy during service or maintenance activities. For work near energized equipment, contractors should follow the OSHA standards (29 CFR § 1926.417 or 1910.147). The SPF contractor coordinates with the appropriate facility personnel for locking/tagging out equipment.

Ventilation Considerations

Another jobsite consideration is ventilation. Turn off HVAC duct system fans and seal them so overspray does not enter the duct system. If gas powered equipment is used, direct the exhaust fumes to an open environment to prevent a buildup of carbon monoxide in the work area.

If evacuating an entire commercial building is not practical or possible, consider the potential for SPF chemicals to migrate to other floors. Containment and ventilation methods help prevent migration of chemicals and particulates. Discussing the project and application with property management and other contractors in areas or floors that will remain occupied during the period of SPF application is an important consideration.

Spray foam insulation is the target of civil complaints filed in federal district courts.   Federal lawsuits claiming that spray-polyurethane foam insulation is toxic and can sicken those who live in houses where it has been installed are pending in more than a half-dozen states.

To date, complaints have been filed in federal district courts in Florida, New York, Michigan, New Jersey, Connecticut, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, Claims are pursued against a number of different manufacturers and installers, including Demilec, Lapolla, Masco, and NCFI Polyurethanes.  We believe that it will be difficult to win these class action cases, as the SPF can be safe if properly applied.  The individual lawsuits could be more successful, though, depending on the sensitive population impacted, namely children and infants and certain adults.

Health Concerns

Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is a highly-effective and widely used insulation and air sealant material. However, exposures to its key ingredient, isocyanates, and other SPF chemicals in vapors, aerosols, and dust during and after installation can cause asthma, sensitization, lung damage, other respiratory and breathing problems, and skin and eye irritation.

Individuals with a history of skin conditions, respiratory allergies, asthma, or prior isocyanate sensitization should carefully review product information when considering the use of SPF products and may want to consider safer alternatives. Manufacturers recommend in their isocyanate safety data sheets that individuals undergo medical surveillance prior to working with these materials and individuals with a history of medical conditions as described above will be restricted from work with isocyanates.

• Health Concerns Associated with Side A: Isocyanates
• Health Concerns Associated with Side B: Polyol Blend

Health Concerns Associated with Side A: Isocyanates

Isocyanates are a class of highly reactive chemicals with widespread industrial, commercial, and retail or consumer applications.

Exposure to isocyanates may cause skin, eye and lung irritation, asthma, and “sensitization.” There is no recognized safe level of exposure to isocyanates for sensitized individuals. Isocyanates have been reported to be the leading attributable chemical cause of work-related asthma. Both dermal and respiratory exposures can trigger adverse health responses.

EPA, other federal agencies, states, industry, and other countries have taken a variety of actions to address risks posed by exposure to isocyanates.

Exposures to isocyanates should be minimized.  The following were noted in the NIOSH Alert, Preventing Asthma and Death from MDI Exposure during Truck Bed Liner and Related Applications.

• Isocyanates have been reported to be the leading attributable chemical cause of work-related asthma, a potentially life-threatening disease.
• Exposure to isocyanates can cause contact dermatitis, skin and respiratory tract irritation, sensitization, and asthma.
• Both skin and inhalation exposures can lead to respiratory responses.
• Isocyanates can cause “sensitization,” which means that some people may become allergic to isocyanates and could experience allergic reactions including: itching and watery eyes, skin rashes, asthma, and other breathing difficulties. Symptoms may also be delayed up to several hours after exposure. If you are allergic or become sensitized, even low concentrations of isocyanates can trigger a severe asthma attack or other lung effects, or a potentially fatal reaction. There is no recognized safe level of exposure to isocyanates for sensitized individuals.
• Some workers who become sensitized to isocyanates are subject to severe asthma attacks if they are exposed again. Death from severe asthma in some sensitized persons has been reported. NIOSH issued an earlier Alert in 1996, “Preventing Asthma and Death from Diisocyanate Exposure."
• Sensitization may result from either a single exposure to a relatively high concentration or repeated exposures to lower concentrations over time; this is an area where additional research is needed.
• Even if you do not become sensitized to isocyanates, they may still irritate your skin and lungs, and many years of exposure can lead to permanent lung damage and respiratory problems.
• All skin contact should be avoided since contact with skin may lead to respiratory sensitization or cause other allergic reactions. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used during all activities that may present exposure to any isocyanate compounds to avoid sensitization. 

 

Health Concerns Associated with Side B: Polyol Blend

Side B contains a blend of proprietary chemicals that provide unique properties in the foam, and may vary widely from manufacturer to manufacturer.  

• Catalysts may be amine or metal catalysts
• Amine catalysts in SPF may be sensitizers and irritants that can cause blurry vision (halo effect)
• Flame retardants, such as halogenated compounds, may be persistent, bioaccumulative, and/or toxic chemicals (PBTs). Some examples include:

• TCPP -(Tris(2-chloroisopropyl)phosphate)
• TEP -(Triethyl phosphate)
• TDCP -(Tris (1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate blend)

• Blowing agents may have adverse health effects
• Foam blowing agents
• Some surfactants may be linked to endocrine disruption

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