Welcome to our discussion forum series, The IAQ Club, modeled after the popular community tradition, the book club.
Two Upcoming IAQ Club Sessions featuring IAQ & Energy Conference presenter Henri Fennel!
Thursday, November 20, 2025: Investigation of Spray Foam Insulation Odors and Air Quality Problem Sources Using Air Testing Combined with Bulk Foam Off-Gas Sampling
4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. (Eastern)
and
Tuesday, December 16, 2025: Introduction to Low-Cost Remediation of Misapplied Foam
4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. (Eastern)
Be a sponsor! Click here for details
How it works:
When you register for an IAQ Club Session, not only will you get access to a video and/or audio presentation* from a past education event, you’ll also be able to attend an informal discussion forum** with the original presenter or other knowledgeable moderator. You’ll find the forums fun, informative, and personal. Each session encourages lively discussion of the scheduled topic (and sometimes other related issues!) Participants can ask moderators and each other questions about current projects and challenges. Each session ends with a fun, interactive trivia quiz. You might win a MIAQC hoodie or t-shirt!
*Like a book club, it is recommended, but not required, that you watch the video or listen to the audio prior to the discussion forum, as it is not shown during the forum itself.
**IAQ Club forums are held via Zoom.
Cost:
Participation in the IAQ Club is free for members in good standing (dues current) of the Maine Indoor Air Quality Council, and just $25 per forum for nonmembers. All participants get advance access to the recorded education session, as well as entry into the live, discussion forum for that topic.
About the next two IAQ Club Sessions Featuring Henri Fennel:
Investigation of Spray Foam Insulation Odors and Air Quality Problem Sources Using Air Testing Combined with Bulk Foam Off-Gas Sampling
Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. EST
Spray foam insulation (SPF) installations frequently result in odor and/or IAQ complaints by the occupants of the home or building where the installation has occurred. When the installation is performed properly with the correct mixing and ratio of Side A (isocyanate) and Side B (polyol), any vapors associated with the installation will rarely off-gas for more than a few days.
However, when misapplication occurs, the off-gassing may persist for an indefinite period of time and the foam may perform as insulation but the odor and/or air quality health issues will not be acceptable to the owner. In these cases, air testing using thermal desorption tubes or canisters is frequently the only testing performed to determine the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the home or business, usually using industry-standard test protocols (TO-15, etc.).
In this presentation, a different approach will be described for determining the source of the suspected SPF VOCs. Air testing is performed in the areas where a spray foam installation has occurred, but in addition, off-gas tests of bulk foam and substrate materials, such as wood, have also been tested. Comparison of the VOC results from both air and bulk foam/substrate materials can then determine if the SPF is the source of the volatile compounds, and if the concentrations in the air exceed the permissible exposure levels.
Learning Goals:
By attending this session, attendees will:
• Be introduced to how SPF can be misapplied and identified
• Learn how to collect samples
• Be introduced to how air test results are compared to bulk foam off-gassing test results to prove causation
Introduction to Low-Cost Remediation of Misapplied Foam
Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 4:00-5:15 p.m. (Eastern)
It is generally accepted that the only guaranteed remediation for misapplied foam is its complete removal. This method is almost always catastrophically disruptive and expensive. A new method, with a high success rate, but with an “orders of magnitude” lower cost, uses an isolation and depressurization approach similar to radon mitigation. Seven case studies of successful remediation projects will illustrate this “interstitial space depressurization system.”
Learning Goals:
By attending this session, attendees will:
• Learn how to design an interstitial space depressurization system for misapplied foam projects
• Be able to select and size the equipment required for this system
• Be able to verify that the system is providing a safe indoor environment before allowing re-occupancy
About the Presenter:
Henri Fennell is a building envelope specialist and architect with forty-five years of experience in energy conservation design, manufactured products, and services. His work with polyurethane foam began during the energy crisis of the 1970s. His experience has included practicing architect and building envelope remediation and commissioning consultant. Major historic projects include the Guggenheim Museum. He has designed several new micro-load buildings, including a cutting-edge net-zero energy research structure in Antarctica.
For the last ten years he has developed and implemented remediation plans and standards for misapplied foam projects. He has four energy-related U.S. patents, and has contributed to ASTM standards, ASHRAE Journal, and is often cited in articles related to energy conservation and building performance.
Continuing Education Credits:
| BPI | Submitted - 1.0 credit - Course #22200 |
| AIHA | Self-Submit with Certificate of Attendance |
| Engineers | Self-Submit with Certificate of Attendance |
| USGBC | Self-Submit with Certificate of Attendance |
| BOC | Self-Submit with Certificate of Attendance |
| CEO | Submitted |
Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming IAQ Club Sessions Spring 2025
Check back later for more IAQ Club session listings!
Click here to register for the November 20th Investigating Spray Foam Problems IAQ Club Discussion forum
Click here to register for the December 16th Remediating Spray Foam Problems IAQ Club Discussion Forum
