Spray foam is spray polyurethane foam or SPF which has become popular among property owners to seal the cracks and holes in the buildings for various benefits. SPF is sprayed on surfaces requiring insulation. The liquid expands to fill the cracks and holes to form an impregnable seal. The foam seal acts as an insulator by keeping out both hot and cold air. Moisture is also prevented from penetrating the surface by SPF seal. SPF seal also prevents allergens and insects from getting into the house. Noise reduction is another benefit of SPF insulation.
There are concerns about spray foam insulation safety due to the use of toxic chemicals which combine to produce the foam.
Chemical Ingredients of SPF
Spray foam is created by reaction of two chemicals known as Side A and Side B.
- Side A contains isocyanates which are highly toxic. Contact with isocyanates causes asthma and other respiratory problems, skin diseases and irritation in eyes and gastrointestinal tract.
- Side B has polyol chemicals which are not well understood and their potential effects are still being researched. Apart from polyol chemicals, Side B also contains amine or metal catalyst, retardant, surfactant and blowing agent.
The two chemicals react with one another and expand in the form of foam to fill the cracks and gaps.
Safety Concerns
Exposure to the harmful chemicals before the SPF foam has fully cured can lead to health problems. The curing time varies and depends upon various factors such as SPF formulation, temperature, humidity, weather and mixing rate. A licensed professional SPF installer knows the various factors affecting the curing time of different kinds of SPF products and ensures complete spray foam insulation safety.
Improper installation of SPF leads to cracks and breaks which release the toxic chemicals making up the seal into the indoor atmosphere. But a professional installer using the right equipment and tools will properly apply the SPF which will produce a high strength seal. SPF is flammable; hence it is necessary to ensure that the installer applies fire retardant on the SPF.
Altogether, it is imperative to avoid cheap and inexperienced SPF installers and go for licenced professionals in order to ensure full proof spray foam insulation safety.
Safety Equipment
The SPF workers must wear the right protective clothing and gear to avoid any contact with the harmful chemicals during the spraying process. The eyes, ears, nose and the skin must be shielded from the chemicals.
The following type’s safety equipment is used by the licensed SPF installers to ensure spray foam insulation safety.
- Respirator protects the installer against the toxic chemical vapours released during the process of application of SPF. Supplied Air Respirators are used for interior applications. For exterior applications, Air Purifying Respirators and Powered Air Purifying Respirators are worn.
- Gloves provide protection against the toxic chemicals which react to form SPF. The types of gloves which are capable of protecting against Side A chemicals are also suitable for protection against Side B chemicals. Best materials for gloves are PVC, neoprene, butyl and nitrile.
- Skin protection is provided by a disposable coverall by acting as a barrier between the droplets of chemicals and the skin. PVC suits are suitable for protection against splashes of chemicals.
Safety goggles and face shield protect the eyes against the aerosols and accidental splashing.
