Demilec thermal or sound insulation materials

The reports, as CPSC published them

1. Seen by a doctor or nurse

   Made May 6, 2022 · , sent to the company May 12, 2022 · , published by CPSC May 26, 2022

   The product, in the report: 10 inches of Demilec Sealection 500 open cell spray foam

   On September 16th and 17th 2021, DeVere Insulation installed Demilec Sealection 500 in three attics of my house in Crownsville, Maryland.

   The first sign of an issue was a lingering odor. The odor was so strong 72 hours after installation that we did not move back into the house. The odor permeated through areas of the house that were near the attics. Ventilators have since been added and maintained for over six months, but the odor remains even in the cold of Winter. After being in the house for ten to fifteen minutes, we have reactions which include headaches, sore throat, watery and burning eyes, congestion, and blurred vision.

   The manufacturer took a foam sample from each of the three areas on October 5th, 2021. The manufacturer has informed me that they will not be providing me the results of the foam test. This was also when the manufacturer informed me that Sealection 500 was installed as opposed to Demilec’s APX and Agribalance that was in the installation contract.

   The installer commissioned a VOC test three weeks after installation - October 7, 2021. This test found an amine catalyst from the spray foam in the air. This report concluded that the house should continue to be ventilated, and that further testing was needed before reoccupancy. This report is attached.

   An environmental consultant was commissioned to take a sample of the foam and perform a chamber test. The sample was taken on December 17th, 2021 - three months after the spray foam was applied. The test found Hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane (37 µg/m2 -h), Bis (2-(dimethylamino)ethyl) ether (5,300 µg/m2 -h), Bis(1-chloro-2-propyl)(3-chloro-1-propyl)phosphate (57 µg/m2 -h) among others. Acrolein (23 µg/m2 -h) and Propianol (19 µg/m2 -h) were among the substances found to be emitting at a rate that would exceed the EPA’s regional screening level for cancer. The chamber analysis was performed at 35 degrees celsius (95 degrees fahrenheit). The full report is attached which recommends complete removal of the foam, and remediation of the affected areas. According to the EPA, there is no known remediation for Spray Foam. Extensive communication with many sealant companies has confirmed the EPA’s conclusion.

   The manufacturer lists a single compound in the Finished Foam Safety Data Sheet - Urethane Plastics (CAS# 9009-54-5) at 100%. A maximum service temperature of 180 degrees fahrenheit is also noted in the Finished Foam Safety Data Sheet.

   In December of 2021 my wife and I visited our doctors to discuss our symptoms and the results of the VOC test. Each doctor independently directed us to no longer enter the house due to the catalyst in the air, and directed us to wear a respirator if entering the house was absolutely necessary.

   Model

   Sealection 500

   Where

   Crownsville, Maryland: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 32, Male

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Self

   As this report names them

   Brand Demilec, made or sold by Demilec USA

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Injury, Seen by Medical Professional

2. Seen by a doctor or nurse

   Made May 13, 2019 · , sent to the company May 21, 2019 · , published by CPSC Jun 12, 2019

   The product, in the report: Demilec Section 500 was installed by Gulf Coast Insulation

   I hired Randy Wise Homes Inc to build my home on a lot I owned. They installed spray foam in the attic. We moved in Aug 2017. IN April of 2018 I made the builder aware of a bad smell. We began trying to figure out what it was from. In Dec 2018, canister testing was performed. In Jan 2019 those tests revealed elevated VOC’s two of which are carcinogenic. The builder and the spray foam manufacturer came out and cut out samples. I requested a third party lab also test. The third party lab did find elevations. The spray foam manufacturer only performed visual and “smell” testing. I have hired counsel and filled Florida’s Chapter 558 pre-suite notice which expires May 22, 2019. The company Demilec has already settled a class action suite for toxic spray foam and they are still making it and selling it. My builder’s insurance has not contacted me nor has the manufacturer.

   Bought from

   Builder

   Where

   santa rosa bea, Florida: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 38, Male

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Self

   As this report names them

   Brand Demilec Section 500 was installed by Gulf Coast Insulation, made or sold by Demilec USA

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Injury, Seen by Medical Professional

3. Seen by a doctor or nurse

   Made Mar 21, 2018 · , sent to the company Jun 7, 2018 · , published by CPSC Jun 28, 2018

   The product, in the report: Demilec closed cell heatlock xt.

   We had a local spray foam contractor spray foam our new addition to our home in 10/2016. From early on after spraying the foam I noticed a fishy smell but was told that the smell was normal and would dissipate. However, the smell continues and is strong in attic where it is open and not covered by drywall especially in summer.

   My wife has experienced unexplained and continually dermatitis as well as all three of our young children. Two of my children (ages 2 and 3) have unexplained delayed speech. We all have experience an increase in frequency of headaches.

   The brand of spray foam used is Demilec closed cell heatlock xt.

   Where

   mountain city, Tennessee: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 0, Male

   The reporter’s relation to them

   My Child

   As this report names them

   Brand demilec, made or sold by Demilec USA

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Injury, Seen by Medical Professional

4. Seen by a doctor or nurse

   Made Jul 27, 2015 · , sent to the company Aug 4, 2015 · , published by CPSC Aug 25, 2015

   The product, in the report: Demilec APX open cell fire rated spray polyurethane foam

   I am writing saferproducts.gov to inform you of what we have learned concerning the improperly installed spray polyurethane foam (SPF).

   In May of 2013 Demilec APX fire rated open cell SPF was applied underneath the roof deck of my house. A Demilec Territory Manager was on site for 3 days along with the Demilec authorized installer.

   Due to the foul smelling odor for weeks after installation the installer acknowledged the problem. Seven weeks later the foam was removed and I collected samples for testing by Eurofins. They reported the two highest VOC’s are fire retardants: TEP CAS #78-40-0 (emission rate 89.5 µg/m²*h) and DEP CAS #78-38-6 (emission rate 4750 µg/m²*h, chamber concentration 4710 µg/m3). DEP fire retardant as reported by Eurofins was extremely high. At no time during my complaints to Demilec representatives concerning the foul odor did they instruct the construction crew or myself to vacate the house. I developed a dry hacking cough while working in the house. After removal of the SPF construction was halted and the house remains vacant, toxic, and unlivable.

   The Berkeley Analytical certification for Demilec APX reports emission rates of DEP 2237 µ/gm²*h and TEP 564 µ/gm²*h. In the report are “Estimated Indoor Air Concentrations (µg/m³)” for Classroom at 2152.6, Office at 1203, Residence at 5007.

   CREL’s have not been established for these chemicals. Protective Action Criteria (PAC) is the only protocol to determine the health effects. PAC protocol is used by first responders and health officials to determine the impacts of a one hour- once in a lifetime exposure. There are three levels of PAC value (1 to 3) where each successive value is associated with an increasingly severe effect from a higher level of exposure. Each level is defined as follows:

   PAC-1: Mild, transient health effects. PAC-2: Irreversible or other serious health effects that could impair the ability to take protective action. PAC-3: Life-threatening health effects.

   DEP (CAS 78-38-6) PAC protocol PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3 370 4100 460,000 µg/m³

   This puts the Eurofins test in the PAC 2 category and the Berkeley Analytical estimated residential in the PAC 2 category. Schools estimated is in the PAC 1 category; this means after a once in a lifetime/one hour exposure the health effects are mild and transient if you remove yourself from the school and do not reenter. This product should have never been released. It remained on the market for two years 1/13 to 1/15 when Demilec announced they had reformulated the product. Putting this product to market was fraudulent or negligent by advertising APX as the lowest VOC open cell foam approved for use in schools. I understand that the fire retardants are on the B side (proprietary side) of the APX mix and therefore don’t have to be disclosed.

   [REDACTED] a Certified Industrial Hygienist, Professional Mechanical Engineer, and president of Indoor Environmental Engineering agrees with the above statements.

   Two follow up indoor air quality studies have been conducted after removal of the foam. The most recent is August 2014, 13 months (two summers) after removal of the SPF. The reported concentration of DEP was 210 to250 µg/m³.

   [REDACTED] conclusion for the Indoor Air Quality test (210-250 µg/m³) in assessing for a non-occupational (residential) exposure to VOC amounts currently in the house would be in the PAC-2 level for non-occupational exposure. Note, criteria for a non-occupational exposure is significantly lower than the level for a one hour one time first responder exposure as an individual would be exposed for greater than 8 hours per day for their life. He recommends that all of the Demilec foam be removed including the surfaces that it was applied to (roof deck and truss). This means removing the roof and truss system as a minimum. The HVAC system and ducting, electrical wiring, recessed light fixtures, solar tubes and other construction material is coated with the Demilec APX foam.

   The current status of the house is it remains vacant and in litigation. All contractors who have inspected the house recommend complete removal as it would be less expensive and they could not guarantee a fix if they try to repair.

   EPA website: •EPA is not currently aware of standard accepted removal and/or remediation practices. This is an area for further investigation and research as future renovation and deconstruction of buildings where SPF has been applied are anticipated. •Note: Removal may not resolve the problem and may create other problems. When spray foam has been correctly applied and cured, it is usually considered to be relatively inert; however, there are factors that impact curing rates and some long-term concerns for exposure potential. If SPF was not applied properly, chemical contaminants may have migrated to hard and/or soft surfaces elsewhere in the building and may be the source of residual odors; therefore, removal may not resolve the issue. Also, disturbing SPF material might generate dust or hazardous materials if done improperly.

   I also need assistance in what type of personal protection equipment for deconstruction, protection to neighbors during deconstruction (SPF dust with the DEP), and transport/disposal of the building materials in contact with the APX foam if this is determined to be a hazardous material.

   I’m willing to share all the reports and information I have.

   Thanks and hope to hear from your Agency,

   [REDACTED]

   Model

   Demilec APX

   UPC

   N/A

   Serial number

   N/A

   Bought from

   Cascade Foam - Installer

   Bought

   May 20, 2013

   Where

   Mount Shasta, California: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 58, Male

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Self

   As this report names them

   Brand Demilec APX, made or sold by Demilec USA

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Injury, Seen by Medical Professional

5. Seen by a doctor or nurse

   Made Dec 12, 2011 · , sent to the company Dec 19, 2011 · , published by CPSC Jan 11, 2012

   The product, in the report: Polyurethane spray foam insulation The manufacturer/brand is: Demilec. The product model is: Sealection 500

   Approximately three years ago I had my attic retrofitted with Demilec Sealection 500 spray foam insulation. First, we were not advised to leave the home during installation and curing. Second, no ventilation was provided. Third, there was a major chemical odor. Then, during the following summer, we noticed that the air had a constant odor and we felt ill when in the home. As our exposure lengthened we found that we were constantly sick with congestion, frequent sinus infections, dizziness, headaches, and general malaise. We found that when we left our house for extended periods of time we got better. We also found that when spend time in or near the attic the symptoms are much worse. We have spent thousands of dollars on testing and incremental remediation efforts, but nothing has helped. The installer and the manufacturer have been of limited help. Industry experts have said that the foam was installed cold and did not mix properly, and that it needs to be removed. The problem is that no one is willing to remove it. The manufacturer and installer are not willing and I have not found another contractor that is interested in performing removal.

   Model

   Sealection 500

   Bought from

   Five Star Foam

   Bought

   Jan 13, 2009, about then

   Where

   McKinney, Texas: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 39, Male

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Self

   As this report names them

   Brand Demilec, made or sold by Demilec USA

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Injury, Seen by Medical Professional

CPSC’s disclaimer

Sources