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Spray Foam Insulation (Closed-Cell Polyurethane) — household safety profile

High risk

Two-component spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation using methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and polyol resin.

What is this product?

Two-component spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation using methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and polyol resin. MDI is a potent respiratory sensitizer — once sensitized, even trace exposure causes severe asthma. Professional installation requires full-face supplied-air respirator. Off-gassing continues for 24-72 hours post-application. Occupants must vacate during installation and re-entry waiting period.

What's in it

Click any compound name for its full safety profile, regulatory consensus, and exposure data.

Reactant Class Ref

Off Gas Compound

Flame Retardant

Red flags — when to walk away

  • Strong chemical odor from new product — Off-gassing of volatile chemicals.

Green flags — what to look for

  • GREENGUARD or UL certification — Tested for low chemical emissions.

Safer alternatives

  • Cellulose insulation — blown-in recycled paper — no isocyanates
  • Mineral wool batts — Rockwool — no chemical off-gassing
  • Fiberglass batts — lowest cost, no isocyanate risk

Frequently asked questions

Are there safer alternatives to Spray Foam Insulation (Closed-Cell Polyurethane)?

Yes — consider: Cellulose insulation; Mineral wool batts; Fiberglass batts. See the Safer alternatives section above for details.

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Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific information. Why we built ALETHEIA →