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Dangers of Foam InsulationFoam insulation is a popular and effective solution in applications requiring full sealing in tight situations, but there can be certain dangers if certain precautions aren’t taken. Installation and removal pose needed concerns, and, in the case of disaster, relief workers need to take special safeguard in helping people while keeping themselves protected. Installation  Foam insulation certainly has a number of benefits and a wide appeal for lots of buildings. In situations where traditional insulation, such as the fiberglass “cotton candy”-style, can work, spray foam insulation can often be superior. The foam itself, a type of polyurethane, comes in various chemical makeups to better perform in different situations. Open-cell polyurethane expands slowly, for instance, while phenolic spray can actually shrink during curing. Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) insulation can spray in both tight and hard to reach spaces, as well as larger sections called “sandwich panels,” which feature in between structures’ walls. A worker sprays the foam with a special gun into a wall area or into drilled holes, where the foam expands and seals the section. The site needs to be analyzed prior to insulation in order to determine which type of foam, or if any kind of foam, should be used in an application. As foam is often more expensive than other types of insulation, it is important to determine its cost efficiency. The extra benefit of foam acting as a vapor barrier or its added structural stability may not be worth the extra investment. Additionally, the actual location for the insulation can be problematic. Foam should not be installed where it will be in direct sunlight, or where it will be exposed to high temperatures. While foam is usually fire resistant and a strong temperature barrier, most types cannot function indefinitely in these situations. Prior to SPF insulation application, material must often be treated. For instance, certain substrates must be heated to allow the SPF to adhere properly. Finally, the installation of SPFs can expose the environment and workers to dangerous chemicals. Many foams use greenhouse gases as blowing agents, and thus must comply with legal guidelines mandating thickness levels and distribution arrays. Also, these foam sprays can release harmful toxins, meaning workers need to be adequately protected from harmful fumes that can be deadly if inhaled. Following manufacturer instructions is a must. Removal Removing foam insulation in demolition or remodeling situations can pose similar questions. Because of the toxicity of many foams, if a building is demolished using explosives or other destructive measures such as a wrecking ball, these poisons can spread into the air and cause problems for workers and those living and working in the surrounding areas, not to mention the likelihood of rising into the atmosphere. If the building is situated near nature or a community’s water supply, these problems can increase. And these toxins are not just dangerous to inhale: contact with eyes and even skin can be irritating, and even lead to temporary blindness. As such, the foam needs to be removed delicately, without breaking, and without the use of heat, to ensure maximum safety. Improper removal can result in fines from government agencies. Disaster In the event of an unforeseen force majeure, rescue crews need to know about dangerous foam installations in order to protect themselves during operations. When a building collapses or catches fire, foam released into the air or smoke from burning foam can cause people to lose consciousness or go blind, so proper safety equipment and breathing apparatuses are necessary. And if some foams catch fire, they will not only release noxious fumes but also cause materials to burn quicker. If rescue workers know about the location of these possible problems in a building, they can plan the logistics of their operations much better. Foam is also used in appliances, specifically refrigerators. When it comes time to dispose of a refrigerator, the unit cannot simply be sent to the dump. Municipal agencies run services to pick up broken or used refrigerators. Depending on the working condition of the refrigerator, as well as the distance and age of the unit, these pickups can range from free to a nominal fee. Some cities routinely charge for refrigerator pick ups, while others will pay for used refrigerators still in working condition. The foam insulation of refrigerators produced pre-1995 all feature dangerous greenhouse blowing agents, though, so any of these refrigerators require a professional’s attention. Other Plastics & Rubber Guides
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