Presentation Topic

Isocyanate Spray Foam Insulation Applications in the Built Environment: Installation and Removal Hazards and Indoor Air Quality Considerations

Presentation Brief

Isocyanate spray foams are used to insulate commercial and residential buildings but, improperly installed, they can cause indoor air quality issues, mold growth, fire hazards, and structural damage. Installers must select appropriate materials, apply them properly, and manage exposure hazards. Especially in residential settings, spray foam insulation has been recognized as a potential insurance liability, especially in colder climates.

 This presentation will summarize where spray foam insulation is used and what conditions may cause failures that can adversely affect occupant health and safety. The presenter will show several case studies related to foam insulation fires and moisture impacts and will also discuss health hazards, exposure limits, and exposure monitoring approaches during both spray foam installation and removal activities.

 Attendees should be able to:

• Recognize where spray foam insulation may be applied in both new construction and existing structures, and common foam insulation failures

• Understand worker exposure concerns during installation and removal activities, and exposure monitoring methods

• Describe fire hazards associated with spray foam during and after installation

• Evaluate foam-insulated building assemblies affected by moisture

• Apply informed approaches for determining the impacts of spray-foam insulation fire residues after a fire event

Biography

Michelle David is a Lead Senior industrial Hygiene consultant with over 26 years of experience, with a focus on mold, moisture, fires, and indoor environmental quality for a diverse clientele including insurance companies, property managers, and educational, commercial, construction, healthcare, and industrial clients. Her project experience includes identification of environmental hazards, developing site-specific health and safety plans and exposure monitoring plans, and performing worker exposure assessments. Her primary career focus includes providing third-party assessments to determine the impacts of moisture and fire on structures, developing remediation protocols, and performing post-remediation verification assessments. Michelle is the Director of the Indoor Air Quality Association Seattle Chapter, and a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association national and local chapters, and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.