Spray foam insulation is a popular choice for many homeowners, but it comes with some serious health risks. The chemicals used in spray foam can be hazardous to a person's health if not handled properly. Workers must wear protective equipment to protect their eyes, nose and throat from the volatile organic compounds contained in isocyanate. According to the U.
S. EPA, the dangers of aerosol foam insulation include exposure to harmful chemicals, lung and eye irritation, shortness of breath, sore throat, and fever. However, you can avoid these adverse effects by using protective equipment when installing spray foam insulation. Additional safety precautions are also needed to mitigate the potentially harmful effects of foam compounds, including shortness of breath and eye irritation. Open-cell foam insulation can achieve an STC rating of 40 to 50, and insulation with mineral wool blocks can achieve an STC rating of 50. One of the most important advantages of aerosol foam insulation is that it's a better insulator than other types, meaning homeowners can save money on their heating and cooling bills.
Closed-cell foam insulation is a powerful insulator with an R (thermal resistance) value of 6 to 7 per inch of thickness. Aerosol foam has some wonderful features, including its high R value per inch and its ability to act as a continuous air barrier when properly installed. Another way to make an aerosol foam insulation project place less of a burden on the environment is to ask the insulation contractor if you can use a soy-based product. Homeowners who can't find a low-GWP spray foam option or who decide that another form of insulation better fits their needs may want to consider a recycled option. There are several factors to consider when considering installing aerosol foam insulation and how to hire an accredited insulation contractor. Unlike other forms of insulation that can be compromised by water, closed-cell aerosol insulation is airtight.
Traditional aerosol foam insulation is made of petroleum, a non-renewable resource, and its combustion contributes significantly to gas emissions greenhouse effect. Aerosol foam insulation has some wonderful things, but the price in terms of health and built-in carbon is too high. Open-cell foam insulation isn't as strong an insulator as its closed-cell counterpart, with nearly half the R-value, but it's a cheaper alternative to closed-cell insulation, as it expands more. The insulation materials themselves are more expensive than those of other types, but insulation with aerosol foam also requires a careful application. In conclusion, homeowners should weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether or not spray foam insulation is right for them. While it offers great benefits such as energy savings and airtightness, it also comes with some serious health risks due to the chemicals used in its production.
