Polyurethane insulation and household products – A systematic review of their impact on indoor environmental quality

Abstract

We systematically review the impact of polyurethane insulation and polyurethane household products on the indoor environmental quality of buildings. The review breaks down polyurethane products into constituent compounds (isocyanate, polyol, flame retardant, blowing agent and catalyst) as well as secondary emissions, and discusses their implications on human health. Concentrations of compounds emitted from insulation, and household materials, measured in laboratory experiments and case studies are presented in the context of the built environment.We would like to thank Dr Dustin Poppendieck (National Institute of Standards and Technology) and Elizabeth Cooper (UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering) for critically reviewing the paper and assisting with expert advice on exposure assessments and organic emissions. Their suggestions and valuable comments improved and clarified the manuscript.The lead author is part of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Science and Engineering in Arts, Heritage and Archaeology (SEAHA). This research has been made possible through funding provided by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) under award reference number EP/L016036/1.

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