Has spray foam insulation been applied to your home or the home of someone you know? The experienced attorneys at Holland, Groves, Schneller & Stolze, LLC are currently investigating cases against the manufacturers, distributors, and installers of spray polyurethane foam insulation (SPF) that has resulted in toxic chemicals and gases being released in purchaser’s and consumer’s homes.
The release of these toxic chemicals and gases has damaged homes and caused personal injuries to people in their very own home. The property damage can consist of lingering odors and chemicals, loss of enjoyment of your home, and reduction in value, as well as making the home unlivable causing expenses for temporary housing and removal of the toxins. Furthermore, some of the fumes may attach to the structures of the home and cannot be removed, forcing homeowners to move out permanently and sell their home for a fraction of its true value.
Additionally, these toxic chemicals and gases can cause various injuries that may be specific to any individual and can include headaches, neurological problems including memory loss, skin irritations, respiratory problems, ear, nose, and throat complications, and an increased risk of illness and disease.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND SPF IN A NUTSHELL
SPF is created by a chemical reaction of two sets of highly toxic compounds that are mixed by someone who represents himself or herself as being a certified installer. The installer applies the sprayfoam while wearing full body protective gear, including a breathing mask, to walls, rafters, attics, floor joists, and other similar residential structures.
The first part of the SPF mixture contains diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), which is known as an Aromatic Isocyanate and is classified as hazardous by OSHA. It contains toluene, benzene, nitrobenzene, aniline, formaldehyde, methylene dianiline and other chemicals. The second part of the SPF mixture consists of polyols, flame-retardants, blowing agents, catalysts and other additives.
Further, some experts have opined that due to the complexity of the application process that proper installation is difficult, if not impossible to perform due to a myriad of factors, including environmental and weather factors.
Despite being marketed as non-toxic and “green”, they are really complex toxic chemical compounds that, due to the defective nature of the design, manufacture, materials and training, combine to create a toxic substance of volatile organic compounds and gases.
The primary manufactures and installers include Demilec, Icynene, Masco Contractor Service, and Gale Insulation, although there are likely several others.
CONTACT HOLLAND, GROVES, SCHNELLER & STOLZE, LLC
If SPF has been installed in your home, please fill out the form below or contact Holland, Groves, Schneller & Stolze, LLC at 1-877-255-3352. There is no charge for the consultation.