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Development of a Test Method to Characterize Emissions from Spray Polyurethane Foam During and Following Spray Application in a Full-Scale Test Chamber
Citation:
Mason, M., D. Greenwell, M. Barnes, Ken Krebs, G. Folk, AND J. Ulrich. Development of a Test Method to Characterize Emissions from Spray Polyurethane Foam During and Following Spray Application in a Full-Scale Test Chamber. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/X-21/287, 2022.
Impact/Purpose:
Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation is manufactured on-site by spray application of chemicals on to building surfaces. Many of the chemicals, such as isocyanates, flame retardants and amine catalysts have known health hazards. Isocyanates are considered to be a leading cause of occupational asthma and EPA and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have received complaints from consumers following installation of SPF insulation. Methods, data and models are needed to improve understanding of potential exposures and improve risk management. Results from this study will be used to inform development of a consensus full-scale test protocol to characterize application and post application emissions and to calibrate a modeling tool developed for OPPT that predicts concentrations of emissions in conditioned and unconditioned spaces of buildings due to application of SPF.
Description:
Thist is a summary of research conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) )to develop a full-scale emissions test method that characterizes the application and post-application emissions from spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation The primary objectives of the research are to support development of a consensus full-scale test method for use by stakeholders to improve risk characterization and management for SPF insulation and provide emissions test data generated in a well-controlled environment for calibration of exposure modeling tools developed for EPA’s Office of Pollution Prevention and Air Toxics (OPPT).