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.
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
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.
- 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.
- TCPP
-(Tris(2-chloroisopropyl)phosphate)
- TEP
-(Triethyl phosphate)
- TDCP
-(Tris (1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate blend)
- Blowing
agents may have adverse health effects
- Some
surfactants may be linked to endocrine disruption
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;)
) require a comprehensive
respiratory protection program be established when respirators are used in the
workplace. NIOSH guidance for selecting respirators can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2005-100/default.html
