Though spray foam insulation can be beneficial to the environment by helping homeowners decrease their carbon footprint, some independent research found that it has health implications.
Spray foam insulation usually contain a chemical called methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, or MDI, which has been reported to cause asthma, lung damage, and in severe cases, death. However, professional installers have the equipment necessary to protect them.
Nevertheless, homeowners, DIY-ers, and small remodeling businesses should be careful. Green Building Elements provides a list of alternatives for those who want to avoid MDI. These include soybean-based spray foam, castor oil spray foam, or cotton denim.
Read more at Green Building Elements.