Green building practices have an unhealthy side for construction workers
Spray foam and protective clothing: What works
Green construction, or building energy-efficient and sustainable structures, is in high demand. The push for more green buildings has led to construction workers using energy-efficient materials, like spray polyurethane foam insulation (spray foam). This material forms a continuous barrier on walls and corners, preventing moisture from getting inside of structures through cracks and seams. It also effectively insulates buildings to minimize the use of energy.
The issue for construction workers is that exposure to the main chemicals in spray foam, known as isocyanates, is associated with skin disorders such as contact dermatitis, skin irritation, and possible skin burns, as well as other health risks like asthma. Numerous studies support using personal protective equipment to reduce skin exposure when applying spray foam, but none focus on how the chemicals might penetrate protective garments.