CPI Ventilation Research Project for Estimating Re-Entry Times for Trade Workers Following Application of Three Generic Spray Polyurethane Foam Formulations 

The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) Ventilation Research Task Force conducted experiments to evaluate and determine the decay rate of specific chemical vapor following SPF application. The purpose of the study was to estimate the time required to restrict unprotected trade workers, such as plumbers, electricians, dry wall installers, etc. from the work area to minimize their exposure. Emissions from CPI generic high pressure medium density, high pressure low density SPF, and a low pressure, 2 component kit formulations were evaluated in a ventilated room operating at a ventilation rate of 10 Air Changes per Hour (ACH) and lowered to 1 ACH after 3 hours to evaluate decay rates for a 12 hour period. Chemical ingredients selected for evaluation represent those typically present in SPF formulations. Substances evaluated include: Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), amine catalysts, blowing agents, and flame retardants. This paper will discuss the experimental protocol, report results of the air sampling study, and provide recommendations.