Health & Safety

Spray foam insulation does create health effects and risks to consider.
Many of the risks that are associated with spray foam insulation involve the installer only. Some of the primary ingredients in this product are called “isocyanates.” These chemical compounds can irritate the lungs, eyes, and stomach when coming into contact with them. If your skin comes into contact with the foam, then some people can develop swelling, skin rashes, and inflammation. You must wear a respirator, goggles, and gloves when working with this product. Long-term exposure can trigger asthma attacks and chemical bronchitis.

Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

Knowing how spray foam insulation is applied can help you to be aware of the effects it may later have on your health.

Generally, spray foam insulation installation is a process completed by professionals with the right tools, training, and equipment. The chemicals using in spray foam can be immediately hazardous to a person’s health if not properly handled.

Workers must use the right protective gear to shield their eyes, nose, and throat from the damaging VOCs in the isocyanate. They avoid all skin contact with the chemicals. Residents are required to leave the home for at least 24 hours after the insulation has been applied.

In short, this stuff is seriously harmful if not handled properly.

What’s worse is that improper application of the spray foam could have lingering consequences on your health. If you become exposed to the harmful chemicals in spray foam before it has a chance to fully cure, you could risk developing asthma or other breathing problems, along with eye and skin irritation.

If the foam were to crack or break due to poor installation, you could also be subjected to foul odors.

Polyurethane, the most common type of spray foam insulation, was developed in the 1940s and used primarily on airplanes. It wasn’t until the 1970s that it started to be used as foam insulation.