Spray Foam Insulation in Puerto Rico Raises Indoor Air Quality Concerns

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - June 15, 2015 - PRLog -- The use of spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation in residential and commercial properties in Puerto Rico has grown in recent years.  SPF offers excellent insulating properties and has the ability to protect against moisture, fill cracks and crevices, and works well to reduce airborne sounds coming through walls, floors and ceilings.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports, “SPF is an effective insulation and air sealant material; however, exposures to its key ingredient, isocyanates such as "MDI," and other SPF chemicals that may be found in vapors, aerosols, dust or on surfaces during and for a period of time after installation may cause adverse health effects such as asthma. Therefore, steps to control exposures and safety tips should be followed.”

Isocyanates are known to be powerful respiratory irritants and there are exposure concerns whenever workers apply SPF or when building occupants are in areas where this product is being used or has recently been applied.  People can be sensitized to isocyanates, so even low concentrations of isocyanates can trigger a severe asthma attack or other lung effects, or a potentially fatal reaction in extreme circumstances.

“Whenever SPF is being applied, applicators should use best practices to prevent people from exposure to isocyanates,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental.  “This includes vacating building occupants, isolating the work site, ensuring appropriate ventilation, wearing personal protective equipment, and not allowing people to return to the area until the foam has cured completely and any particles and dusts have been removed.”

The building science and indoor air quality (IAQ) professionals at Zimmetry provide testing and consulting services to help ensure that workers and building occupants are not exposed to isocyanates.   These and other indoor environmental services are available in Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean.

Zimmetry recently sponsored an educational video about spray polyurethane foam and chemical exposure concerns that can be seen at:

http://youtu.be/9qswClQ4gxo



To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their indoor air quality, environmental and compliance consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com.

About Zimmetry Environmental

Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies.  The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America.  The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality (IAQ), asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase IESAs and general environmental consulting services.