OSI QUAD Advanced caulking or spackling compounds

The reports, as CPSC published them

1. Hurt, no treatment

   Made Jun 25, 2025 · , sent to the company Jun 30, 2025 · , published by CPSC Jul 15, 2025

   The product, in the report: Product name: OSI QUAD Advanced Sealant Manufacturer: Henkel Corporation/OSI Product Type: Solvent-based construction sealant/caulk Color Used: White, most commonly, sold in many colors Size: 10 fl. oz.(295 mL) cartridge/standard caulking tube Packaging: Individually packaged plastic cartridges, compatible with standard caulk guns, labeling indicates “QUAD Advanced”, “All Weather”, “for Exterior use” and “For Professional Use Only” Dimensions: approximately 8.5” x 2” Retail Listings: Lowe’s, [REDACTED] have all advertised it as suitable for exterior and interior use.

   1. Introduction and Summary of Safety Concern This complaint concerns the improper indoor application and misleading marketing of OSI QUAD Advanced, a solvent-based construction sealant manufactured by Henkel and distributed through major retailers including Lowe’s, [REDACTED]. The product was applied inside my home during a Lowe’s window installation project, despite being intended solely for exterior use. The chemical exposure required subsequent product removal. Manufacturer documentation and misleading retail advertisements present a serious risk to consumer safety, especially when installations occur indoors. 2. Background and Incident Summary In 2022, I hired Lowe’s to perform a full window replacement at my residence. The installation was subcontracted to a third party, and solvent-based OSI QUAD Advanced was used to fill large interior gaps around 24 windows without my knowledge or consent. I later learned that Lowe’s subcontractor had reportedly used this sealant indoors on every window installation he performed for the company. This was confirmed to me in a phone call with Lowe’s Installation Support. Shortly after the installation, I contacted the manufacturer, Henkel, regarding the strong odor in my home. Henkel later confirmed in writing that OSI QUAD Advanced is not approved for interior use and must be fully removed if applied indoors, as covering it with other sealants will not mitigate the chemical exposure. Lowe’s initially denied responsibility but eventually removed most of the product after inspection. Nearly two years later, I discovered that multiple retailers had advertised the product as suitable for both “interior and exterior windows”-a claim directly contradicted by the manufacturer’s safety guidance. Lowe’s later admitted this in writing and quietly revised its website. 3. Timeline of Events - August-November 2022: Lowe’s subcontractor applied OSI QUAD Advanced indoors on 24 windows. - January 3-10, 2023: Improper use confirmed by Lowe’s during inspection and documented by a representative. - January 19-20, 2023: Lowe’s representative personally removed most of the interior sealant. - April 17, 2025: I alerted Lowe’s to misleading online advertising of the product. - May 5, 2025: Lowe’s responded in writing, confirmed the sealant was not for interior use, and blamed the subcontractor. - May 2-6, 2025: Lowe’s revised its website to remove misleading “interior/exterior” usage claims. 4. Safety Issues According to the Henkel-issued Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for OSI QUAD Advanced, the product contains hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) not suitable for interior application. Lowe’s application of the sealant indoors, without consent or warning, introduced unsafe chemical exposure. I experienced headaches and dizziness following the installation and have preexisting autoimmune conditions affecting red blood cell production, which may heighten my sensitivity to such exposures. Moreover, the sealant was applied in thick layers across wide 1”+ interior gaps in 24 windows, significantly increasing the volume of chemical material present indoors. No interior-safe alternative was offered. Despite Henkel’s SDS clearly stating the product is intended for exterior use only, multiple retailers marketed it as appropriate for “interior/exterior windows,” potentially misleading both consumers and installers. 5. Manufacturer Responsibility and Retail Advertising Henkel’s product labeling and SDS documentation directly contradict the advertising language used on multiple retailer websites. The manufacturer failed to promptly correct this misinformation or prevent mass distribution of the sealant under misleading use cases. Henkel’s emails to me confirm that the sealant is not approved for indoor use and that complete removal is necessary if used improperly. 6. Shared Accountability Lowe’s approved the materials list for this installation and created the scope of work. Their subcontractor’s repeated use of OSI QUAD indoors-including in my home-was confirmed by Lowe’s own customer service personnel. Henkel manufactured the product and failed to correct years-long retailer misstatements. National retailers advertised it falsely. These actions jointly enabled widespread indoor misuse. 7. Public Risk and Exposure The false advertising of OSI QUAD Advanced as suitable for “interior/exterior windows” persisted for years and remains live on retailer websites like [REDACTED]. This occurred during a time when millions of Americans were spending extended time indoors due to COVID-19 lockdowns and holidays. Many families may have been unknowingly exposed to VOCs and solvent emissions in enclosed spaces, particularly if installers followed similar practices. 8. Relief Requested from the CPSC I respectfully request that the Consumer Product Safety Commission: - A. Investigate the chemical safety of OSI QUAD Advanced, particularly when used indoors. - B. Review Henkel’s product labeling and oversight of retailer advertising to determine whether corrections or recalls are necessary. - C. Identify the extent of public exposure caused by widespread indoor misuse. - D. Mandate revised labeling, safety alerts, and retailer disclosures for any remaining inventory. - E. Issue guidance for contractors and installers regarding proper product use and safer alternatives. 9. Supporting Evidence and Documentation I am prepared to submit the following materials upon request: - Manufacturer emails confirming indoor use is prohibited and requires full removal. - Archived screenshots of misleading retailer listings. - Email admissions from Lowe’s acknowledging misuse. - Photos showing installation damage and improperly applied OSI QUAD. - Timeline and inspection summaries documenting the issue and its correction. Example Advertising References: [REDACTED]

   Model

   1638674

   UPC

   028756976011

   Bought from

   Lowe’s

   Where

   United States: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Unspecified

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Self

   As this report names them

   Brand OSI QUAD Advanced, made or sold by Henkel Corporation

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received

CPSC’s disclaimer

Sources