No, spray foam gives off VOC and fumes during insulation that are harmful when inhaled. It is advisable to stay away from your home for at least 24 hours after installation to allow the foam to cure properly.
This only lasts for about 24 hours, and then the off-gassing does stop. Spray foam insulation installed correctly in your home should be done by a professional so it is done safely. You will need to be out of your home for 24 hours after installation to ensure the off-gassing period is done.
That said, there is toxicity associated with these materials: installers are required to wear a Hazmat suit and respirator while spraying the foam; homeowners are cautioned to stay out of their homes for 24-48 hours after the insulation is applied to allow the foam to fully cure and the vapors to evaporate.
"Fiberglass insulation should never be left exposed in an occupied area, according to the American Lung Association," says ALA's Godfrey. "Exposed fiberglass insulation, once in the air, does cause respiratory reactions, such as dry, scratchy throat and coughing, as well as acting as a skin and eye irritant.
So, while you don't need to leave your home during the installation, it's probably best to take a step back and let the experts handle it. You can always ask questions before the project commences or afterward. But, due to safety and efficiency concerns, it's best to let them work uninterrupted.
The home should not be occupied during installation. Before the job, consult with your contractor for guidance about the period of time before people and animals may return to your home following two component foam installation. This is the reoccupancy time.
By spray foaming your whole house you are building a 100% energy efficient environment that has no problems when it comes to heat loss and air leakages. Spray foam is an excellent insulation material, and when properly installed, its benefits and features will be inherited for a lifetime.
Soreness in the nose and throat can result when fibers are inhaled. Asthma and bronchitis can be aggravated by exposure to fiberglass. Temporary stomach irritation may occur if fibers are swallowed.
When insulation is exposed in areas you don't spend much time in, usually in basements and attics, you're not typically at risk of health issues. However, if you and your loved ones spend time in rooms with exposed insulation, it can lead to skin or lung issues.
The best way to protect yourself when handling fiberglass is to wear personal protective equipment, also called PPE. This includes a dust mask or respirator to protect your lungs, safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes, work gloves to protect your hand and clothing that covers every part of your body.
Once the spray polyurethane foam insulation has had time to cure, you may inhale tiny particles of the chemical ingredients if you do breathe it in. These particles are so small they don't pose any health risks. They will be filtered out through your lungs and never make it past your blood-brain barrier.
It Can Lead to Mold
Spray foam insulation mold problems are quite common. Especially with closed-cell spray foam, which is rigid. Mold and mildew can begin growing behind the insulation which can go unnoticed until it's already become a huge problem.
Spray foam insulation will produce a strong chemical odor into the indoor space of a home after it's installed that can leave this environment with tainted air quality and furthermore could even produce negative health effects to those occupants exposed heavily to these fumes in the air.
In fact, when done correctly and professionally, spray foam insulation can actually increase the value of your home. This type of insulation adds value to any residential property by providing superior energy efficiency, durability, soundproofing capabilities, and more.
Spray foam will be tack-free within 20-30 seconds and it'll rise to completion to where you can walk on it within a couple of minutes. Spray foam has an off-gassing period of a few hours until it's 100% cured.
Therefore providing mechanical fresh air ventilation is especially important in spray foam houses.
The most common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Inhaling large quantities of insulation fibers, including fiberglass particles or the chemical off-gassing of spray foam insulation, can also lead to lung inflammation and scarring. In severe cases, it can even be fatal.
Exposure to some insulation products can cause certain health effects if the product is mis- handled, mis-applied, or if the wrong product is used in certain environments. Common symptoms may include irritated, itchy, watery, or burning sensation of the eyes, nose, or throat, or itchy skin or skin rashes.
The quick answer is yes and no, because spray foam can be left exposed in some areas of the home with others require a thermal barrier according to the code. If the area of the home that has been sprayed with foam is directly connected to the living space, then it has to be separated by a thermal barrier.
Smaller fibers may be inhaled deep into the lungs. Inhaled fibers are removed from the body partially through sneezing or coughing, and through the body's defense mechanisms. Fiberglass that reaches the lungs may remain in the lungs or the thoracic region. Ingested fiberglass is removed from the body via feces.
Fiberglass Particles Can Harm Breathing Systems
As a result, people who handle or are exposed to this insulation can breathe in tiny bits of glass. After a while, those bits can get stuck in a person's lungs, leading to respiratory ailments. Fiberglass exposure can also inflame the eyes and skin, making them itchy.
No matter how long you've been using pink fiberglass insulation, you still need to be careful when handling them. Inhaling fiberglass particles may trigger reactions from your respiratory system. It may lead to nose bleeds and severe coughing.
Avoid using the foam near any ceiling lights or heating appliances. If you spray the foam near a ceiling light, for example, there is a chance that it could catch fire due to the flammable nature of the spray. Additionally, it could also cause damage to the light itself if it cures around any wiring.
The size of your home also affects how long it takes to install spray foam in your home. A small house with a large roof will take longer than a large house with a small roof. The process of installing spray foam in your home will usually take between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the size of the job.
At the end of the day, both attic spray foam insulation systems work just fine. You just have to realize they are different systems with ventilation being the main difference. If you insulate the attic floor, you're going to need free air vents and make sure they are maintained properly over the long term.