Joint Sealants are popular building products that play an important role in a building’s weather-resistance and energy efficiency. Sealants are placed between two substrates, filling a gap and forming a barrier.1 Sealants differ from adhesives and caulks, which bond elements together.7
The most common sealant options include:2
The HBN (Healthy Building Network) categorizes hybrid/modified polymer and most polyurethane sealants as dangerous for their toxic qualities.3
Dangers of Sealants
Different sealants represent different hazards as they can contain undisclosed VOCs and toxic additives.6
HBN classifies polyurethane as one of the most dangerous options compared to acrylic latex materials unless it comes in the form of low-density, pre-formed, compressed polyurethane foam tape.3 However, even the better “green” sealants like hybrid/modified polymer can still contain phthalates and associated asthma and reproductive toxins.
✓ Choose caulk sealants as an alternative to spray foam sealants like polyurethane foam.3
✓ Prefer phthalate-free products if hybrid/modified polymer sealants are required.3
✓ Choose pre-formed sealants like foam sealant tape – ranked green in HBN Sealant Hazard Spectrum.3
✓ Prefer multi-purpose sealants categorized as siliconized latex sealants with low VOCs of less than 25 grams per liter.3
✓ Avoid mold and mildew-resistant products unless necessary. If used, avoid products containing arsenic-based fungicides.3
✓ Avoid accelerators which are typically two-component formulas known to contain isocyanates.6
✓ Prefer products from the Building Clean Certified product database.5
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