William swietlik co chair of the epa s workshop on spray foam dangers has asserted that the chemicals used in the insulation are a leading cause of workplace asthma and are a well known sensitizing toxicant to humans.
Dangers of using spray foam insulation.
They avoid all skin contact with the chemicals.
Be sure to research your installer their safety protocols and reviews.
Workers must use the right protective gear to shield their eyes nose and throat from the damaging vocs in the isocyanate.
Or it s applied too thick.
Or it s applied in layers and one layer doesn t stick to the next well.
The chemicals using in spray foam can be immediately hazardous to a person s health if not properly handled.
These workers are exposed to chemicals in the spray foam insulation including isocyanates and polyol plus additives like catalysts containing amines as well as pigments flame retardants and surfactants.
Or one layer isn t allowed to cool off and the second is applied too early which again traps chemicals inside the foam.
Exposure and injuries to spray foam insulation can result from a number of things including.
But the greatest dangers posed by spray foam insulation are to the workers installing it.
Then during application spray foam might not stick well for many reasons.
Homeowners who are exposed to isocyanates and other spray foam chemicals in vapours aerosols and dust during or after the installation process run the risk of developing asthma sensitization lung damage other respiratory and breathing problems and skin and eye irritation.
Wheezing shortness of breath coughing.
According to the epa.
Tightness in the chest.