{"hq_id":"hq-p-spe-000115","name":"Spray Foam Insulation (MDI Isocyanate, Off-Gassing, Re-Entry Time)","category":{"primary":"specialized","secondary":"construction","tags":["spray foam","insulation","MDI","isocyanate","off-gassing","re-entry","polyurethane"]},"product_tier":"SPE","overall_risk_level":"high","description":"Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation uses MDI — a potent respiratory sensitizer (OSHA PEL: 20 ppb ceiling). 24-72 hour re-entry time after application. Improperly mixed SPF can off-gas indefinitely — EPA has received hundreds of complaints. Once sensitized to MDI, even trace exposure triggers reactions permanently.","synthesis":{"derived_risk_level":"moderate_to_high","synthesis_confidence":0.648,"synthesis_method":"compound_composition","context_used":"human_adult","context_source":"product_users","exposure_modifier":1.1,"vulnerability_escalated":false,"escalation_reason":null,"compounds_resolved":1,"compounds_total":1,"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":"applicators (highest acute risk), building occupants, MDI-sensitized individuals","overall_risk":"high","primary_concerns":["MDI isocyanate: potent respiratory sensitizer (OSHA PEL 20 ppb)","Improperly mixed SPF off-gasses indefinitely (hundreds of EPA complaints)","24-72 hour re-entry time (building must be vacated)","MDI sensitization is permanent and irreversible"],"exposure_routes":"Inhalation (MDI aerosol); dermal (liquid MDI is skin sensitizer)"},"exposure":{"routes":["inhalation","dermal"],"contact_types":["inhalation","skin_brief"],"users":["adult"],"duration":"hours_to_days","frequency":"event-based","scenarios":["During application: MDI aerosol (respirator required)","24-72 hour off-gassing period (building must be vacated)","Improperly mixed SPF: persistent off-gassing for months-years","Removal of cured SPF: dust contains residual isocyanate"],"notes":"MDI: respiratory sensitizer — once sensitized, permanent. EPA recommends 24 hours (closed-cell) to 72 hours (open-cell) re-entry time. Off-ratio mixing is the most common cause of persistent off-gassing complaints. SPFA professional certification program. Consumer: get written re-entry time, verify mix ratios logged."},"consumer_guidance":{"usage_warning":"Hire SPFA-certified contractor. Vacate building during and for 24-72 hours after application. Verify contractor logs mix ratios and substrate temperature. If persistent odor after re-entry time: do NOT reoccupy.","safer_alternatives":["SPFA-certified contractor (proper training and equipment)","Cellulose insulation (blown-in, zero isocyanate)","Mineral wool batts (Rockwool — zero off-gassing, fire resistant)","Written re-entry time from contractor before work begins"]},"regulatory":{"applicable_regulations":[{"jurisdiction":"USA","regulation":"OSHA MDI Ceiling Limit + EPA SPF Guidance","citation":"29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1; EPA 747-F-15-002","requirements":"OSHA: MDI ceiling PEL 20 ppb. Full-face APR with OV/P100 required. EPA: 24-72 hour re-entry time, occupant notification.","compliance_status":null,"effective_date":null,"enforcing_agency":"OSHA / EPA","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":"Cured SPF: construction waste. Uncured/off-ratio: hazardous waste.","hazardous_waste":true,"expected_lifespan":"50+_years"},"formulation":{"form":"varies","key_ingredients":[],"certifications":[]},"materials":{"common":[],"concerning":[],"preferred":[]},"compound_composition":[{"hq_id":"hq-c-org-000636","compound_name":null,"role":"reactant","typical_concentration":"~50% of A-side component"}],"identifiers":{"common_names":["spray foam insulation (mdi isocyanate, off-gassing, re-entry time)"],"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":"OSHA MDI Ceiling Limit + EPA SPF Guidance (29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1; EPA 747-F-15-002)","jurisdiction":"USA","citation":"29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1; EPA 747-F-15-002","id":"src_1c3a3a95"},{"id":"src_001","type":"database","title":"PubChem Compound CID 7570","url":"https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/7570","accessed":"2026-03-12","notes":"Chemical identity, properties, safety data","inherited_from_compound":"hq-c-org-000636"},{"id":"src_002","type":"epa","title":"EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard — DTXSID7025180","url":"https://comptox.epa.gov/dashboard/chemical/details/DTXSID7025180","accessed":"2026-03-12","notes":"Hazard, exposure, and toxicity data","inherited_from_compound":"hq-c-org-000636"},{"type":"regulatory","title":"US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)","jurisdiction":"USA","id":"src_defdd418","extraction":"description_reference"},{"type":"regulatory","title":"US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)","jurisdiction":"USA","id":"src_ef6d897f","extraction":"description_reference"}],"meta":{"schema_version":"4.0.0","last_updated":"2026-03-25","timestamp":"2026-05-14T01:23:21.757Z"}}