Chemical Components of Blown Foam Insulation

Isocyanates

• Nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen combine to form isocyanate compounds. Approximately 50 percent of blown foam insulation is made up of an isocyanate compound. According to the EPA, the world produces over six million tons of isocyanates annually.

  Inhaling the particles or dust from an isocyanate component could trigger an asthma attack, respiratory illness, and skin and eye irritation. Isocyanate compounds are also found in caulks, adhesives, paints, varnishes, and roofing. Your furniture, mattresses, and the seats in your car can contain these types of compounds.

Polyols

• SPFs are formed when polyols mix with the isocyanates, and when combined with air, create the chemical reaction to form the insulation. Polyols are a petroleum-based product, but SPFs made with natural ingredients are finding a place in the market. These SPFs use plant-based oils from soybeans or sugar beets as an option with fewer chemicals.

Blowing Agents

• Closed-cell and open-cell are the two types of blown insulation. They are differentiated by blowing agents they use. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) are used in closed-cell products. Open-cell insulation uses a chemical reaction of air and water to form carbon dioxide as its blowing agent. Open-cell insulation is less expensive and more environmentally friendly, but closed-cell insulation outperforms it slightly in environmental maintenance.

Other chemicals

• Additional chemicals are put into blown foam insulation to give it unique properties. For example, halogenated retardants such as triethyl phosphate may be added to make the foam more flame-retardant. Producers of spray foam insulation also add surfactants and blowing agents.