Construction or reconstruction of a home or building will almost always include spray polyurethane foam, also known as SPF in some form or another. SPF is an expanding foam that when sprayed will expand dramatically and fill in all sorts of nooks and crannies. It is an efficient sealer that can provide a barrier for air or water. As an insulator, it is effective in at keeping out the cold in the winter and the heat in the summer. It?s also quite an economical choice for insulation in that a one-time investment in application can last between 10 and 15 years.
While SPF when dry, or cured, is an environmentally-friendly substance that is used in a multitude of projects; however, when it is ?wet? and being applied the isocyanates- the key ingredients in the product can cause severe negative reaction in someone who is exposed to them. Anyone thinking of using a spray foam should be aware of the dangers and carefully follow all given instructions so as to reduce the chance of exposure and possible subsequent health issues. The following steps should be taken to prevent that exposure:
Any person who is physically close to the spray project is in danger of being exposed to the fumes or spills of the chemicals, and care should be taken to control the number of persons who could potentially be exposed. This means you will want to put up barriers of some sort that will isolate the work site and help prevent the spread of chemical vapors to other areas of the home or building. Frequently plastic sheeting is used as a barrier, and care should be taken to properly dispose of it when the project is finished.
Then, because isolating the area means that fumes will be more contained in that area, the persons actually doing the work are at an even greater risk, so it is very important to be sure the area is properly ventilated. This means opening windows and using fans and exhaust fans to keep the air moving and fumes directed to the outside.
Once the area is closed off, the person actually spraying the SPF should be wearing proper personal barriers beginning with a proper respirator. Breathing in these fumes can cause a wide range of upper respiratory problems from lung irritation to life-long asthma.
But inhalation of fumes isn?t the only problem; spraying SPF?s will expose a person to poisonous particles and dust that could cause eye, as well. An applicator needs to be sure to wear protective eye wear at all times.
Actually, the best way to protect from the harmful substances in SPF?s is to have no exposed skin. Special chemical-resistant gloves and a chemical-resistant, long-sleeved cover-all would be appropriate covering. It?s important, however, to be careful when removing the cover-all?s so as to prevent exposure to the chemicals on the clothes.
Once the foam is sprayed on and dried, it needs to be trimmed. The job of trimming the foam can also cause exposure to harmful chemicals, so it is important to continue being careful. A person should, at a minimum, wear eye protection and gloves to reduce exposure to the hardened foam. But, there will still be particles in the air, and while not as easily inhaled as the fumes from the ?wet? foam, they are still harmful, so wearing a respirator is still important.
Once the foam is dried and trimmed, the whole room needs to be cleaned so other people do not come into contact with the dust and particles that may contain isocyanates. This cleaning, which basically amounts to wiping down all surfaces in the area, can cause harmful exposure to the chemicals, so again, it is important to wear the protective clothing, eye protection and even the respirator.
Take the precautions necessary to keep your lungs, eyes and skin free of isocyanates when applying SPF. It?s not difficult and can mean the difference between having permanent physical damage and staying healthy.
MCC is a fully stocking distributor for the Graco Polyurethane, Polyurea, and Graco/Glas-Craft Fiberglass Composites product lines. Visit http://mccind.com/main_contact.html for more specific product specs and information about Graco spray guns.
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