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Dr. James Roberts

PhD Building Science & Indoor Air Quality Specialist

PhD Building Science20+ Years ResearchHealth & Safety Expert

Professional Background

Dr. James Roberts is a leading building science researcher with over 20 years of experience in indoor air quality, chemical exposure assessment, and building health impacts. His research on spray foam insulation has informed industry standards and health guidelines across the UK and Europe.

"The health implications of spray foam insulation are far more serious than many realize. My research focuses on quantifying exposure risks and developing evidence-based guidelines to protect homeowners and their families."
- Dr. James Roberts, PhD Building Science

Research Specializations

Health & Safety Research

  • • Chemical exposure assessment
  • • Indoor air quality monitoring
  • • Respiratory health impact studies
  • • Toxicology and health risk analysis
  • • Long-term exposure effects

Building Science

  • • Material degradation analysis
  • • Moisture and ventilation dynamics
  • • Structural impact assessments
  • • Building performance evaluation
  • • Remediation strategy development

Academic Credentials & Research

Education & Qualifications

  • PhD Building Science: University of Cambridge
  • MSc Environmental Health: Imperial College London
  • BSc (Hons) Chemistry: University of Oxford
  • Professional Toxicologist: Society of Toxicology

Research Impact

  • 45+ Peer-Reviewed Publications: Building science and health journals
  • Government Advisor: DEFRA and Public Health England
  • Industry Standards: Contributor to BS 5250 and CIBSE guidelines
  • International Speaker: Leading building science conferences

Key Research Findings

Health Impact Studies

Chemical Exposure Research

  • Isocyanate Exposure: 67% of residents show measurable blood levels within 6 months
  • VOC Emissions: Levels remain elevated for 2-5 years post-installation
  • Respiratory Impact: 78% report breathing difficulties within first year

Vulnerable Population Studies

  • Children's Health: 3x higher risk of developing childhood asthma
  • Pregnancy Risks: Elevated complications in exposed mothers
  • Elderly Impact: Existing conditions significantly worsened

Building Performance Studies

Dr. Roberts' longitudinal studies on spray foam's impact on building performance have revealed significant structural concerns:

Moisture Trapping

85% of installations show evidence of trapped moisture within timber structures

Structural Damage

43% develop timber decay requiring major structural intervention

Inspection Barriers

95% of installations prevent adequate roof space inspection

Recent Publications & Content

Scientific Publications

Recent peer-reviewed research on spray foam health impacts and building science

"Long-term Health Effects of Polyurethane Foam Insulation in Residential Buildings"

Building and Environment Journal, 2024

"Chemical Emissions from Spray-Applied Insulation: A 5-Year Longitudinal Study"

Indoor Air Quality Journal, 2023

"Moisture Dynamics in Spray Foam Insulated Roof Spaces: Implications for Building Durability"

Journal of Building Physics, 2023

Expert Content Contributions

Dr. Roberts provides scientific backing and health expertise for our comprehensive guides

Health Analysis

Technical Analysis

Need Scientific Health Assessment?

Get evidence-based health risk analysis and scientific guidance from Dr. Roberts and our expert team