Number

367-EN

Section

General Section

Use

Abstract

Spray foam insulation is the most popular method for foaming of window and door frames, and this is because it is flexible and relatively easy to install. Spray foams have hazardous properties to human health and environment and can be replaced with a non-toxic mortar.

Substituted substances

Alternative Substances

Reliability of information

Evidence of implementation: there is evidence that the solution was implemented and in use at time of publication
Internet information: data are from an internet document and only a basic and partial evaluation could be performed

Reason substitution

CMR
physical hazards
other toxic effects

Other type of alternative

Mechanical fixing

Hazard Assessment

Substances to be substituted: The substituted substances have several hazardous properties, which are listed below. The product, containing these substances, may cause sensitization by inhalation and skin contact, and there is also limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect. Dimethyl ether, isobutane and propane are extremely flammable gases. Tris(2-chloro-1-methylethyl) phosphate has no harmonised classification according to Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation). 4,4'-Methylenediphenyl diisocyanate causes serious eye irritation, is harmful if inhaled, is suspected of causing cancer, may cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure, causes skin irritation, may cause an allergic skin reaction, may cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled and may cause respiratory irritation. MDI and other diisocyanates are restricted under REACH (Annex XVII entry No. 74). Alternative substances: According to the producer, the alternative is irritating to respiratory system and skin and harmful in contact to eyes (H315/335, H315 and H318). Its ingredients, cement, Portland and calcium dihydroxide have no harmonised classification according to Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation) and are not listed on the SDSC.

Description of Substitution

Polyurethane is the most common type of spray foam insulation. There are one- and two-component mixtures. A one-component mixture is composed of polyurethanepolymer and fuel gas. A two-component mixture is composed of polyurethane polymer and isocyanate hardener. Spray foam comes at the tip of a gun and forms expanding foam that is sprayed onto roof tiles, concrete slabs, into wall cavities, or through holes drilled into a cavity of a finished wall. While curing spray foam emits a gas that causes blurred vision and trouble breathing, full face and respiratory protection while applying the product should be worn. Isocyanates are powerful irritants to the eyes and gastrointestinal as well as the respiratory tracts. Direct skin contact with isocyanates can also cause marked inflammation. Overexposure to isocyanates can sensitise workers, making them subject to asthma attacks if they are exposed again. Respiratory irritation may progress to a chemical bronchitis. Using of mortar or mechanical fixing for mentioned application above is recommended. To fill gaps or cavities walls insulation foams are unnecessary. This can be done simply and unproblematic with mortar. However, the time for application is longer than using spray foams. There is also less exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Case/substitution evaluation

According to Austrian Ministry of Life and Eco Counselling's report mortar is a safer alternative to health and environment for described application. Also from SUBSPORTplus point of view this is a positive example of substitution.

State of implementation

In use

Availability ofAlternative

On the market

Producer/Provider

www.umweltberatung.at

Type of information supplier

Authority
Research

Type of publication and availability

Free available publication in German

Publication source: author, company, institute, year

Austrian Ministry of Life & Eco Counselling. Selbst gemacht? Ja, aber ökologisch! 2012. Pages: 47-48

Date, reviewed

November 26, 2021