Healthy Indoors Magazine
Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/310128
SPF Consumer Question Number 4: When will it be safe for me to return to my home? All building occupants and non-SPF person- nel must be vacated from the building during the application of SPF and for a period of time afterwards. Where this is not possible or practi- cal for large commercial buildings, containment and ventilation techniques can be utilized. Your application contractor must also communicate with other trades working in proximity to the spray application area so that all non-essential personnel can vacate the area for the required time. If you are present during application or return to your home before the manufacturer recom- mended re-occupancy time of 24 – 48 hours after application, you run the risk of SPF sensiti- zation due to exposure. Lack of proper ventila- tion during the SPF application process adds to the risk of sensitization, so venting of the off-gassing of the SPF insulation is critical. In all cases of occupant sensitization that I have been involved with, the SPFI application was not properly vented to the exterior, creating a sub- stantial accumulation of the off-gassing volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) within the property. Unfortunately, once a person has become sensitized to the SPF insulation, any attempt at reducing exposure may not provide relief. I've been involved in the introduction of outdoor air through a pre-filter and dehumidifier to control the temperature, humidity, particles, path, and pressure, as well as full SPF removal. Unfor- tunately, some bells can't be un-rung, which is why it is so critical that the process be done right the first time. RECOMMENDED CLARIFICATIONS TO GET FROM THE SPF CONTRACTOR Here is what our homeowner should have discussed with their application contractor prior to install: 1. The possible need to re-evaluate the home's HVAC system. 2. The newly sealed home's ventilation rate and possible need for dedicated outdoor air supply. 3. The condition of the home's 60 year old attic. 4. The removal of the home's existing insula- tion. 5. The sealing of the existing open soffit and roof vents. 6. The possible termination of the bathroom exhaust fans into the attic. 7. The possible termination of the kitchen exhaust hood into the attic. 8. The sealing of the home's HVAC system during the application of SPF. 9. The ventilation of the home during the ap- plication of SPF. 10. Occupancy during the application of SPF and re-occupancy after SPF application. Spray Poly Foam Continued from previous page Healthy Indoors 43