Diisocyanates

Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation is an effective and proven building material with a 40-year track record of success. It offers exceptional thermal insulation and air sealing performance under a wide range of temperatures and plays a valuable and essential role to help California achieve the energy efficiency and climate change goals mandated by AB 32 and Title 24.

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control’s (DTSC) has proposed that SPF containing unreacted MDI be nominated as a Priority Product under the Safer Consumer Products (SCP) regulation. ACC opposes DTSC’s proposal on the basis that DTSC has failed to demonstrate that SPF products present the potential for widespread and significant adverse health impacts as required by its own regulations. This chemical/product combination is well-studied and is already subject to robust regulatory controls and stewardship programs.

DTSC’s inclusion of SPF containing unreacted MDI as a Priority Product test case ignores the seven years of collaborative work that ACC and its member companies have conducted with the Environmental Protection Agency, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Consumer Product Safety Commission to share safety data and demonstrate the benefits of our products. We will continue to communicate the science and safety surrounding our members’ products to DTSC and demonstrate the important product stewardship efforts already in place.

Understanding SPF Insulation:

• Consumers require the ability to continue relying on SPF to help maximize the energy efficiency of buildings where they live, work and play.
• SPF offers a valuable and essential role to help California achieve the energy efficiency and climate change goals mandated by AB 32, California’s landmark Climate Change legislation, and Title 24.
• SPF is an effective and proven building material with a long record of success.
• EPA has stated that " Completely cured products are fully reacted and therefore are considered to be inert and non-toxic" which is the case with cured spray polyurethane foam containing MDI.
• Diisocyanates are well-studied and regulatory limits exist for MDI, a diisocyanate, used in SPF.
• To read ACC’s comments on release of California’s draft ‘priority products list’ as part of the new state regulations, please click here.
• Learn more about the benefits of Spray Polyurethane Foam. To find out how spray polyurethane foam can specifically help Californians, click here.