What is Spray Polyurethane Foam or SPF?
Spray polyurethane foam consists of two liquid chemical components, referred to as “Side A” and “Side B,” that are mixed at the site of installation. Side A is mostly made up of isocyanates, while Side B usually contains polyol, flame retardants, and amine catalysts. These chemicals create hazardous fumes during the application, which is why installers and nearby workers should wear personal protective gear during this process. Once the foam has fully expanded and dried, manufacturers say it is inert. If the chemicals are not properly mixed, they may not react fully and can remain toxic.
Green or Eco-friendly Claims of Spray Foam
The marketing for spray foams that implies that the ingredients are natural and non-toxic, such as soy is very misleading. There is only a very small percentage of soy in the spray foams that are out there and the products that do claim to be “soy-based” foams can contain less than two percent soy.
What Can Go Wrong with Spray Foams?
The Styrofoam insulation foam boards we buy at building centers are made in a factory to close tolerance and QC (Quality Control), with SPF (Spray Polyurethane Foam) applications the work site is the factory; and the work site lacks the QC.
Application equipment used by professional SPF applicators is versatile and can apply the products of multiple manufacturers.
The chemical manufacturers’ specific recipe rules the application process.
Many problems are traceable back to applicators. Some applications require two coats and not allowing adequate time between applications.
Sprayfoam (SPF) Health Effects
The health effects normally manifest as an odour problem and then exacerbate with other alleged health effects such as headaches, blurred vision, chemical sensitization or hyper-reactivity, and psychogenic symptoms. Can cause asthma, sensitization, lung damage, other respiratory and breathing problems, skin and eye irritation, and dermatitis.
Hazardous Compounds from Spray Foam
A runaway reaction may result in the out-gassing of the following chemical compounds not limited to benzene, ethylbenzene (a possible carcinogen), Toluene Diisocyanates (TDI, also possible carcinogens) and Methyl ethyl ketone or 2-Butanone (MEK), the inhalation of which can cause allergic reactions. An increasing number of provinces and states have listed MEK as a hazardous substance.
Other compounds that have been observed to be outgassing from SPF even months after are aldehydes such as acetaldehyde and formaldehyde, both suspected carcinogens. Whilst spray foam typically markets its products as being Formaldehyde-free, it can be the result of improper spray foam applications.
In our opinion, the levels of these chemicals are typically too high for a home, however, we recognize that there are currently no limits for chemicals in residential settings unless the project requires LEED certification.
Testing Spray Foam and Air Quality
If you have recently had spray foam applied in your home or workplace, and have concerns about odours or health issues, it may be best to consult with mr natural. We can provide analytical testing to confirm hazardous compounds that are out-gassing from a recent spray form application. Testing may include the physical spray foam itself or air samples to identify the chemicals and quantities occupants were exposed to.
Solutions for Mitigation or Abatement
There are several effective options to mitigate or abate the chemical compounds that typically out-gassing from SPF or from improper applications. Please contact us for the options that best suit your requirements.
