Spray foam insulation lawsuits have surfaced around the country, as homeowners learn the truth behind this dangerous material. Polyurethane foam insulation has gained popularity in recent years, touted as a “green” or environmentally-friendly insulation. The manufacturers claim spray foam insulation is safe, non-toxic, and offers advantages over traditional insulation products because it offers a sealed, monolithic insulation material. In fact, spray foam insulation is made of dangerous chemicals that, when mixed improperly, result in immediate and ongoing exposure to carcinogenic fumes and dangerous chemicals.
Polyurethane spray foam is a two-part compound that is mixed on site. Two types (open cell and closed cell) are available from many different manufacturers, under more than a dozen product names:
Manufacturers: Icynene Lapolla, BASF, NCFI Polyurethanes, Johns Manville, Dow, Demilec, Huntsman
Open cell spray foam: Enertite, Sealection 500, Agribalance, Demilecapx, Classic, Classic Ultra, Ultra Plus, Foam-Lok, JM Corbond, Sealtite
Closed cell spray foam: Walltite, Heatlock, Pro Seal, Foam-Lok 2000, JM Corbond IV, Insul Star, Insul Bloc
Spray foam insulation has been widely marketed as a green building material that is healthy for both people and the natural environment. One advertisement described spray foam as “Environmentally safe. Earth friendly”, noting, “No toxins are emitted during preparation and installation.” Another company boasted, “since it never decomposes or deteriorates, there are no worries about harmful fibers or gases escaping into the air in the future.” Manufacturers of Comfort Foam asserted that, “Comfort Foam… is formaldehyde-free and does not emit VOCs”, while Icynene was said to offer “the solution you need to improve the quality of the indoor air you breathe” because it “contains no harmful gases”.
These claims run directly counter to the truth; spray foam insulation has resulted in acute and long-term exposure to toxic and harmful chemical gases. Spray foam insulation has been found to contain formaldehyde, a cancer-causing substance. A powerful chemical reaction takes place when spray foam insulation is mixed onsite that is not free of risk. Installers are required to wear full protective gear while working and ensure ventilation throughout the installation process and for the 24 successive hours.
The Safety Data Sheet also includes warning information that is in conflict with marketing claims, indicating a risk for breathing / lung problems, liver, kidney, and nervous system damage, and birth defects from spray foam insulation. In cases where the chemicals were mixed incorrectly, the product served to trap its own hazardous fumes into the home and continued to off-gas over the course of years, creating a gas chamber. Occupants of such homes have developed severe and debilitating health problems, and their homes have been rendered uninhabitable.
Theoretically, spray foam insulation is only installed by a certified expert and has a safe result; in reality, insufficient training can lead to highly dangerous conditions. Spray foam insulation installers bring two separate sets of chemicals: Set A consists of Isocyanates and Set B consists of a Polyol blend. When chemicals are mixed in the field, there can be disastrous outcomes resulting from improper mixing or ratio of ingredients. The results are inconsistent because they are reliant on the training, experience, and skill level of the installer.
Signs that spray foam insulation has been improperly installed include foam that is not properly expanded; foam that is darker in color; and the presence of a chemical odor. The formation of stalactites in the foam is a sign of improper application. Crystallization of the foam is a sign of an improper ratio of chemicals in the composition of the foam.
If you or a member of your family developed side effects from polyurethane spray foam, you may qualify to file a spray foam insulation lawsuit to recover compensation for damages you have suffered as a result of this dangerous building material. Filing a lawsuit is the only way to secure compensation for medical bills, lost time at work, the cost of replacing your home, and the injuries and suffering that have resulted from spray foam insulation toxicity. Our attorneys accept spray foam lawsuits from around the United States, and offer no-cost, no-obligation polyurethane spray foam lawsuit case review for persons throughout the nation who match this description. To discuss your situation in detail with an attorney and to learn about spray foam insulation lawsuit time limits in your state, please complete our online contact form. One of our attorneys handling foam insulation lawsuits will contact you promptly.
Many persons who have been harmed by chemical off-gassing from spray foam insulation wonder if filing a spray insulation lawsuit will result in meaningful compensation for their family. Spray foam insulation lawsuits will not be class action lawsuits in which those who file a claim can expect only a small, symbolic settlement. On the contrary, lawyers handling spray foam lawsuits believe persons and family members of persons who have suffered from exposure to formaldehyde and other harmful substances in spray-foam insulation. Spray foam side effects lawsuits are likely to be consolidated as Multi-District Litigation (MDL), in which each claim will be handled on its own merit and compensation will be determined based on the degree of suffering of each plaintiff.
We will represent all persons involved in a spray foam insulation lawsuit on a contingency basis, meaning our lawyers never charge legal fees unless we win compensation in your case. For a free no-obligation consultation please fill out our short online contact form and one of our foam insulation attorneys for chemical exposure will contact you to answer any of your questions.
