VOC Emission Testing of Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF)

Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is widely used in modern construction, but its chemical emissions can impact indoor air quality and human health.

In this episode, we explore the key VOCs of concern, how regulations are shaping the industry, and the analytical methods used to measure emissions. From micro-chamber testing to advanced techniques like TD-GC/MS, discover how data-driven insights help ensure safer materials and compliance.

Explore Intertek’s analytical and chemical testing capabilities: Chemical and Material Testing Analysis (Allentown, PA) 

🎙️Guest  Speaker

Jenan Elias
Scientist,  Organic Analysis Group, Intertek 

Jenan Elias specializes in VOC and materials emission testing, with over a decade of experience in GC-MS method development for consumer goods and construction materials.

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Transcript

Host: Refaya Priya
Guest: Jenan Elias

Refaya Priya:
Hi everyone,

I’m Refaya Priya, Marketing Manager here at Intertek, and welcome to the first episode in our new series from our Chem & Pharma North America team, where we’ll be sharing expert insights on analytical testing, safety, and innovation.

Today’s guest is joining us from our Allentown laboratory, and we’re diving into an important topic: VOC emission testing of spray polyurethane foam, or SPF.

Joining me today is Jenan Elias. Jenan is a scientist in Intertek’s organic analysis group, leading VOC and materials emission testing. She brings over a decade of experience developing GC-MS methods to analyze emissions from consumer goods and construction materials.

Jenan, welcome to the podcast. It’s great to have you here. Could you start by telling our listeners a little more about your background and what you do at Intertek?

Jenan Elias:

Thank you, Refaya, for the introduction. Hello everyone. I'm Jinan. As a scientist in the Organic Analysis group at Intertek Allentown, I've spent the last several years developing methods, especially thermal extraction, thermal desorption, GCMS methods.

To analyze for VOC chemical emissions across diverse materials, including consumer goods, packaging, vehicle components and polyurethane foam alongside air quality assessments. Beyond the lab, I represent Intertek on the ASTM D2205 Committee where I have contributed to the research and development of standards for evaluating chemical emissions from spray polyurethane foam insulation.

Refaya Priya:
Despite the benefits of spray polyurethane foam insulation in building efficiency, what are the potential harmful effects associated with its application?

Jenan Elias:
Spray polyurethane foam is widely used as a high-performance insulation material, but it can pose significant health risks during and after installation. These include respiratory issues, asthma, and skin or eye irritation caused by exposure to toxic vapors and volatile organic compounds.

Improper installation can also lead to poor indoor air quality and ongoing off-gassing of harmful substances such as formaldehyde.

Refaya Priya:
When it comes to chemical emissions, how are EPA guidelines and OSHA regulations impacting the spray polyurethane industry?

Jenan Elias:

Well, EPA and OSHA regulations are greatly impacting the SPF industry by advancing the transition towards more sustainable blowing agents and enforcing safety protocols to minimize chemical exposure.

To ensure product safety, manufacturers are required to shift towards producing low chemical emission products to the market. As part of product stewardship, the polyurethane industry tests chemical emissions from spray foam formulations to confirm compliance with VOC standards.

Refaya Priya:
What are the volatile organic compounds of concern in spray polyurethane foam emissions that require testing?

Jenan Elias:
So volatile organic compounds emissions may include a very wide range of volatility and reactive compounds, including very volatile compounds such as the blowing agents, amine catalyst.

Things like flame retardants, aldehydes and other volatile and semi volatile organic compounds.

Refaya Priya:
What factors impact the level of VOC emissions from spray foam?

Jenan Elias:

The level of emissions depends on the type of the formulation that is used. We have two different types of spray polyurethane foam. We have the closed cell and we have the open cell formulations.

It is common that open cell formulation can emit more than the closed cell, and the level of emission also depends on the product application, the ventilation where the product is being installed and the environmental factors.

Refaya Priya:
What techniques and methods does Intertek use to measure chemical emissions from spray foam?

Jenan Elias:

Chemical emissions from spray foam are quantified in accordance to the ASTM method D8142 and methods like the EPA TO-17 and ASTM D5197 and the ASTM D8142 deals with the collection of the VOCS from the spray foam using a micro scale environmental chamber and the EPA TO-17 deals with you know how do we measure, quantitate and identify the emissions and the ASTM D5197 deals with.

Analyzing and quantitating the aldehydes. So VOC emissions are collected from the chamber on sorbent tubes and like I said, subsequently analyzed via thermal desorption, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry.

For the non aldehyde VOC's and high performance liquid chromatography for aldehydes and that gives you a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analysis of the foam of the emissions in the foam sample.

Refaya Priya:
You have mentioned the use of micro-scale chambers. How is the data from this testing used?

Jenan Elias:

The micro chamber testing of spray foam enables the manufacturers to rapidly screen formulations and accelerate the development of low emission products. Furthermore, these data facilitate the prediction of indoor VOC concentrations.

Also investigation of order complaints from the foam samples and evaluation of the long term exposure risks for residents.

Refaya Priya:
When it comes to SPF applications, how do we monitor worker safety and air quality during and after application?

Jenan Elias:

That's a good question. So monitoring for workers safety and air quality during spray foam application typically requires a 72 hour monitoring period. So that is during and after application to analyze.

For VOC emissions per the ASTM method D8445 and that method deals with testing for measuring chemical emission from spray form insulation samples in a large scale spray room.

So the data that we gather from this analysis is used to determine the necessary worker protection, the appropriate ventilation rates needed, and the safe re-entry times for the trade workers or the residents.

Refaya Priya:
Intertek Allentown has established itself as a leader in SPF testing. Can you tell us more about your team’s contributions in this area?

Jenan Elias:

Intertek Allentown offers expert chemical emission analysis for spray foam insulation. We focus on VOC assessments for safety and regulatory compliance. Our team does provide in-depth technical knowledge regarding the analysis of spray foam components.

We do have a specialty in amine catalyst assessments and the related impurities. Our laboratory also participated years ago in the ASTM D8142 inter laboratory testing.

So we have a very strong understanding of that test method and how the data is being used and we continue to provide support with the ongoing research in VOC emission testing. That way we deliver the research data necessary for our clients to understand.

And reduce SPF emissions, therefore ensuring that their products meet market requirements.

Refaya Priya:
Jenan, thank you for breaking that down so clearly. Is there anything else you would like to tell our listeners before we sign off for today?

Jenan Elias:

Thank you everyone for listening. For your VOC emission testing needs, don't hesitate to contact us at cp.na@intertek.com.

Refaya Priya:

It’s fascinating to see how much science goes into something most people never think about, but that plays such a critical role in safety and performance.

And thank you to everyone for listening.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the Assurance in Action Podcast on your preferred platform.

To learn more about Intertek’s analytical and chemical testing capabilities, visit https://www.intertek.com/analytical-laboratories/allentown/

Until next time.