EPA has released a new action plan for researching chemicals used in spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation. SPF insulation contains highly reactive chemicals that can cause skin, eye, and lung irritation, asthma, and chemical sensitization when absorbed through the skin or inhaled. When SPF is applied, both the ingredients and the byproducts of the process involve potentially toxic emissions that require protective measures for workers as well as any occupants. Homeowners and others may unknowingly be exposed to risks from these chemicals. The EPA chemical action plan is being developed under the Toxic Chemical Substances Act (TCSA). EPA plans to look at reports of significant adverse health effects, consider a test rule requiring exposure monitoring studies, and consider additional chemical substances that may be present. According to EPA, safe re-entry times put forward by manufacturers vary between 8 & 24 hours for one-component SPF and 23 & 72 hours for two-component SPF. See http://epa.gov/dfe/pubs/projects/spf/when_is_it_safe_to_re-enter_after_spf_installation.html.
If you use SPF, follow current EPA recommendations for safety from the publication Quick Safety Tips for SPF Users (http://epa.gov/dfe/pubs/projects/spf/quick_safety_tips.html) and follow EPA’s Steps to Control Exposure (ttp://epa.gov/dfe/pubs/projects/spf/steps_to_control_exposure.html).
See http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/actionplans/mdi.html
and http://www.epa.gov/dfe/pubs/projects/spf/spray_polyurethane_foam.html.