Spray Foam Insulation Problems

Spray foam insulation (polyurethane-based foam system) is being installed in thousands and thousands of homes by builders and homeowners who are trying to build tight, energy efficient homes. Spray foam problems are potentially dangerous and must be addressed.  It is now recognized that spray foam insulation can off-gas poisonous and toxic fumes that cause personal injuries to humans. Certain chemicals in these products, including methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI), have been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to have toxic properties that are harmful to humans. Many manufacturers, produce and promote these products, including BASF and Demilec spray foam.

There are serious consequences to the public when industrial products and processes such as contractor-sprayed PUF (polyurethane foam) are misapplied to residential structures by ill-educated, untrained individuals with no comprehension of the sophisticated chemistry and toxicity of the materials they are using.

Injuries Caused by Toxic Exposure to Spray Foam Insulation

Exposure to diisocyanates is known to cause severe skin and breathing problems. Indoor air exposure can also induce neurological symptoms. Polyurethane foam has been known to cause asthma, lung damage and even fatal reactions in people who have been exposed or sensitized to its chemicals. According to William Swietlik, co-chair of the EPA's workshop on spray foam dangers, “Both open and closed cell foams are made with diisocyanates, among other ingredients, a leading cause of workplace asthma and are a well known sensitizing toxicant to humans. Once a human becomes sensitized to diisocyonate there may be no safe exposure level". Hence, once a person is exposed to poison gas from spray foam insulation and becomes sensitized to it, he or she may never again be able to live in a property where spray foam insulation has been applied.

If you, or someone you know, has suffered injuries caused by toxic spray foam exposure, contact the law offices of Wolf & Pravato for an immediate consultation. Our firm is partnering with other experienced toxic tort attorneys across the nation and we are accepting sprayfoam cases throughout the entire United States.

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