VOC Emission Testing of Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation (SPF)

Manufacturers of Spray Polyurethane Foam (commonly known as “spray foam insulation”) are required to produce low emission products to the building insulation market. As part of product stewardship, the polyurethane industry evaluates chemical emissions from spray foam in order to monitor indoor air quality for the purpose of determining workers exposure during application, room ventilation rates, re-entry/re-occupancy times, odor investigations, and short and long term exposure studies.

Intertek provides analytical VOC emission testing services for the qualitative and quantitative measurement of spray foam emissions using the micro-scale environmental chamber and thermal desorption GC-MS techniques.

VOC emissions of interest include amines, flame retardants, blowing agents and aldehydes which are measured based on the methodology of ASTM D8142, EPA T017 and ASTM D5197. Other services include VOC emissions testing of air samples collected on sorbent tubes from SPF environments. We also provide analytical expertise to develop customized testing methods for R&D support.

In addition to the SPF raw material and product manufacturers, our test services also support the SPF application industry, toxicology and industrial hygiene professionals.

Here are some benefits of VOC emission testing for spray foam insulation:

1. Improved indoor air quality: VOCs emitted from spray foam insulation can have harmful effects on indoor air quality, which can lead to health problems for building occupants. VOC emission testing helps identify the types and levels of VOCs emitted from spray foam insulation, allowing manufacturers to develop low-emission products that can help improve indoor air quality.
2. Health and safety of workers: VOC emission testing can help determine the exposure levels of workers during the application of spray foam insulation. This information can be used to set appropriate ventilation, reentry times, and personal protective equipment requirements, helping to protect the health and safety of workers.
3. Regulatory compliance: Many countries have regulations in place that limit the amount of VOCs that can be emitted from building materials, including spray foam insulation. VOC emission testing helps manufacturers ensure their products comply with these regulations, avoiding potential fines and legal liabilities.
4. Reputation and marketability: By demonstrating their products have low VOC emissions through testing, manufacturers can enhance their reputation and marketability, potentially increasing sales and customer loyalty.
5. Product development: VOC emission testing can also support product development efforts by providing valuable information on the emissions profiles of new raw materials and products. This information can be used to develop new low-emission products, optimize formulations, and improve production processes.

Read more about Intertek’s VOC emissions and VOC testing solutions at the following pages:

• Plastics and Polymers Volatile Organic Compounds Testing

To learn more, contact VOC emissions testing and spray foam experts in our Allentown, PA laboratory at (610) 295-0100.