{"hq_id":"hq-p-hom-000145","name":"Spray Foam Insulation (Closed-Cell Polyurethane)","category":{"primary":"household","secondary":"construction","tags":["spray foam","isocyanate","MDI","insulation","off-gassing","renovation"]},"product_tier":"HOM","overall_risk_level":"high","description":"Two-component spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation using methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and polyol resin. MDI is a potent respiratory sensitizer — once sensitized, even trace exposure causes severe asthma. Professional installation requires full-face supplied-air respirator. Off-gassing continues for 24-72 hours post-application. Occupants must vacate during installation and re-entry waiting period.","synthesis":{"derived_risk_level":"low","synthesis_confidence":0.653,"synthesis_method":"compound_composition","context_used":"human_adult","context_source":"product_users","exposure_modifier":0.77,"vulnerability_escalated":false,"escalation_reason":null,"compounds_resolved":3,"compounds_total":3,"synthesis_date":"2026-05-09","synthesis_version":"1.2.0","methodology_note":"exposure_modifier and adjusted_magnitude are computed from ALETHEIA-calibrated heuristics (route × duration × frequency multipliers, clamped to [0.5, 1.4]). Multipliers are directionally informed by EPA Exposure Factors Handbook (2011) and CalEPA OEHHA but are not regulatory consensus. See /api/methodology for full disclosure."},"hazard_summary":{"sensitive_populations":"installers (occupational), building occupants during/after installation","overall_risk":"high","primary_concerns":["MDI isocyanate — potent respiratory sensitizer (irreversible asthma upon sensitization)","Flame retardant additives (TCPP/TDCPP) in foam formulation","Off-ratio spray creating persistently off-gassing uncured foam"],"exposure_routes":"Inhalation of MDI vapor and aerosol during and after installation"},"exposure":{"routes":["inhalation","dermal"],"contact_types":["inhalation","skin_brief"],"users":["adult","occupational"],"duration":"hours","frequency":"rarely","scenarios":["Installation: professional with supplied-air respirator (highest exposure)","Occupant re-entry before recommended 24-72 hour cure time","Off-ratio spray creating uncured foam with persistent MDI off-gassing","DIY kit users without adequate respiratory protection"],"notes":"EPA 2012: SPF installation requires supplied-air respirator. Re-entry times: 24 hours minimum (closed-cell), 72 hours recommended. Off-ratio application (incorrect mix) creates foam that never fully cures and continuously off-gasses MDI. CDC has documented isocyanate-induced asthma in SPF installers and nearby building occupants."},"consumer_guidance":{"usage_warning":"Never DIY spray foam without proper respiratory protection (supplied air, not just N95). Vacate building for 24-72 hours after professional installation. Verify installer is EPA SPF certification trained. If foam has persistent odor after 72+ hours, contact installer — may indicate off-ratio application.","safer_alternatives":["Cellulose insulation (blown-in recycled paper — no isocyanates)","Mineral wool batts (Rockwool — no chemical off-gassing)","Fiberglass batts (lowest cost, no isocyanate risk)"],"red_flags":[{"indicator":"Strong chemical odor from new product","meaning":"Off-gassing of volatile chemicals.","action":"Air out in ventilated area before indoor use."}],"green_flags":[{"indicator":"GREENGUARD or UL certification","meaning":"Tested for low chemical emissions.","verification":"Check for GREENGUARD Gold or UL GREENGUARD certification mark."}],"what_to_ask":[{"question":"What certifications does this product have for indoor air quality?","why_it_matters":"Certification verifies low chemical emissions in occupied spaces.","good_answer":"GREENGUARD Gold, California ARB compliant, or equivalent.","bad_answer":"No emission testing or certifications."}],"alternatives":[{"name":"Cellulose insulation","notes":"blown-in recycled paper — no isocyanates"},{"name":"Mineral wool batts","notes":"Rockwool — no chemical off-gassing"},{"name":"Fiberglass batts","notes":"lowest cost, no isocyanate risk"}]},"regulatory":{"applicable_regulations":[{"jurisdiction":"USA","regulation":"CPSC General Safety","citation":"15 U.S.C. 2051","requirements":"Consumer products must not present unreasonable risk of injury.","compliance_status":null,"effective_date":null,"enforcing_agency":"CPSC","penalties":null,"source_ref":null},{"jurisdiction":"USA -- California","regulation":"California Proposition 65","citation":"CA Health & Safety Code 25249.5","requirements":"Products containing listed chemicals require clear warnings.","compliance_status":null,"effective_date":null,"enforcing_agency":"OEHHA","penalties":null,"source_ref":null}],"certifications":[],"labeling":{"required_disclosures":[],"prop65_warning":{"required":null,"chemicals":[],"endpoint":null,"notes":null},"ghs_labeling":{"required":null,"signal_word":null,"pictograms":[],"hazard_statements":[],"notes":null},"hidden_ingredients":{"trade_secret_protected":null,"categories_hidden":[],"estimated_count":null,"known_concerns":null,"notes":null},"notes":null},"recalls":[],"regulatory_gap":null,"notes":null},"lifecycle":{"recyclable":false,"disposal_guidance":"Construction waste. Cured SPF is inert. Uncured SPF: hazardous waste.","hazardous_waste":false,"expected_lifespan":"lifetime"},"formulation":{"form":"varies","key_ingredients":[{"hq_id":"hq-c-org-000402","name":"Methyl isocyanate (MIC)","role":"reactant_class_ref","concentration_pct":"40-50 of A-side"},{"hq_id":"hq-c-org-000011","name":"Formaldehyde","role":"off_gas_compound","concentration_pct":"trace"},{"hq_id":"hq-c-org-000220","name":"TCEP (Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate)","role":"flame_retardant","concentration_pct":"5-15"}],"certifications":[]},"materials":{"common":[],"concerning":[],"preferred":[]},"compound_composition":[{"hq_id":"hq-c-org-000402","compound_name":null,"role":"reactant_class_ref","typical_concentration":"40-50% of A-side"},{"hq_id":"hq-c-org-000011","compound_name":null,"role":"off_gas_compound","typical_concentration":"trace"},{"hq_id":"hq-c-org-000220","compound_name":null,"role":"flame_retardant","typical_concentration":"5-15%"}],"identifiers":{"common_names":["spray foam insulation (closed-cell polyurethane)"],"aliases":[],"manufacturer":null,"brands":[]},"brand_examples":[{"brand":"Great Stuff","manufacturer":"DuPont","market_position":"mass_market","notable":"Consumer spray foam insulation"},{"brand":"Touch 'n Foam","manufacturer":"DAP","market_position":"mass_market","notable":"DIY spray foam products"},{"brand":"Icynene","manufacturer":"Huntsman","market_position":"professional","notable":"Professional spray foam insulation"}],"brand_examples_disclaimer":"Representative branded products of this category. Concerning ingredients listed in materials.concerning[] apply to the category, not necessarily to every named brand. Specific formulations vary by SKU and may have changed since this record was written; consult the brand's current ingredient label before drawing brand-level conclusions.","sources":[{"type":"expert_curation","name":"ALETHEIA Safety Database","date":"2026-03-25"},{"type":"regulation","title":"CPSC General Safety (15 U.S.C. 2051)","jurisdiction":"USA","citation":"15 U.S.C. 2051","id":"src_f01143be"},{"type":"regulation","title":"California Proposition 65 (CA Health & Safety Code 25249.5)","jurisdiction":"USA -- California","citation":"CA Health & Safety Code 25249.5","id":"src_fe1d5adc"},{"id":"atsdr_mic_toxprofile","type":"regulatory","title":"ATSDR Toxicological Profile: Methyl Isocyanate — Bhopal Disaster Review, Acute Pulmonary Toxicity, Ocular Effects, Chronic Health Effects, Exposure Limits","year":1993,"inherited_from_compound":"hq-c-org-000402"},{"id":"icmr_bhopal_health_studies","type":"study","title":"Indian Council of Medical Research: Health Effects of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy — Mortality Data, Pulmonary Effects, Reproductive Outcomes, Neurological Effects, Long-term Survivor Cohort","year":2004,"inherited_from_compound":"hq-c-org-000402"},{"id":"iarc_100f_form","type":"regulatory","title":"IARC Monographs Volume 100F: Formaldehyde","year":2012,"inherited_from_compound":"hq-c-org-000011"},{"id":"epa_form_iris","type":"regulatory","title":"US EPA IRIS Assessment: Formaldehyde (draft)","year":2010,"inherited_from_compound":"hq-c-org-000011"},{"id":"epa_tcep_risk_2012","type":"regulatory","title":"US EPA: Toxicological Review of Tris(2-chloroethyl) Phosphate (TCEP), IRIS Assessment, Group B2 Probable Carcinogen, Drinking Water Candidate Contaminant List CCL4, Neurotoxicity (2012)","year":2012,"inherited_from_compound":"hq-c-org-000220"},{"id":"ca_prop65_tcep","type":"regulatory","title":"California OEHHA: Tris(2-chloroethyl) Phosphate (TCEP) Listed under Proposition 65 as a Carcinogen; NSRL Calculation; EU Toy Safety Directive Restriction; Flame Retardant Monitoring Studies (2013)","year":2013,"inherited_from_compound":"hq-c-org-000220"}],"meta":{"schema_version":"4.0.0","last_updated":"2026-03-25","timestamp":"2026-05-13T19:31:44.745Z"}}