Bayer MaterialScience LLC Scientist Discussed Building Re-Occupancy Guidelines Following Installation Of Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation

Pittsburgh, PA - As a company dedicated to innovation and safety performance, Bayer MaterialScience LLC takes the steps necessary to help ensure the safe production, installation and function of its materials. As such, Bayer MaterialScience LLC scientists have developed a methodology for determining when structures can be safely re-occupied after the installation of spray polyurethane foam insulation products.

Brian Karlovich, product safety representative, Bayer MaterialScience LLC, presented "A Proposed Methodology for Development of Building Re-Occupancy Guidelines Following Installation of Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation" at the 2010 UTECH North America Exhibition in Houston. The report was written by Karlovich, as well as Carl Thompson, a senior scientist with the Environmental Analytics Laboratory, and Jim Lambach, head of technology and technical marketing for the Spray Polyurethane Insulation and Roofing Materials business, both of Bayer MaterialScience LLC.

The report outlines a method for determining when a building can be safely re-occupied after the application of Bayseal CC and Bayseal OC spray polyurethane foam insulation products.

Part of the BaySystems line of customized polyurethanes, Bayseal CC and Bayseal OC spray polyurethane foam insulation products provide a seamless air barrier, restrict moisture transmission and help reduce energy consumption in residential and commericial properties.

To develop the guidelines, Bayer MaterialScience LLC researchers created several samples of the applied spray polyurethane foam products. These samples were placed in individual small scale environmental chambers using conditions generally representative of a residential structure. Air samples were collected from the chambers at multiple time intervals and tested to determine how quickly the chemicals released from the foam dissipated.

By comparing the chemical concentrations in the air samples with airborne chemical concentration thresholds set by organizations such as the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), re-occupancy guidelines were set at 12 hours for trade workers and 24 hours for all others.

This study exemplifies the forward-thinking and safety-driven results Bayer MaterialScience strives to achieve with every product.

SOURCE: Bayer MaterialScience LLC