Cellulose insulation
is nearly 80 percent recycled newspaper.
Construction products can be hazardous and exposure to chemicals increases the possibility of developing an environmental disease. Insulation poses a health risk during its application. As a blown product, insulation readily comes into contact with workers. Fiberglass, a frequently used insulation product, poses health risks for lung ailments from long-term inhalation. Cellulose insulation, a paper product, may prove to be a safer option for applying insulation.
Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation is comparable to other insulation materials, like fiberglass, in terms of preventing the flow of heat along solid materials. Tightly packed cellulose insulation excels as an air-blocker, prevents air leakage and loss of heat through convection, according to the University of Massachusetts. Considered a "green" product cellulose insulation could reduce waste by more than 3 million tons, if use in most new construction. Additionally, cellulose insulation requires less energy to produce than fiberglass insulation. However, if cellulose insulation becomes wet it can cause sagging, reduced insulation and corrosion to plumbing and electrical materials from the chemical treatment applied to the insulation.
Potential Lung Hazards
Since its composition is nearly 80 percent recycled paper, cellulose insulation is susceptible to fungal growth, water damage and fire. Cellulose insulation contains chemicals like borax with boric acid, gypsum, sodium metaborate, ammonium sulfate and alumina trihydrate. The chemical treatment of cellulose increases its safety as a building material. However, these chemicals are potentially hazardous during the installation process when dust levels are highest. Boric acid in cellulose insulation is a concern since it could be inhalable from cellulose insulation dust, according to the Weatherization Training Center (WTC) at Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Installation Safety
According to the University of Massachusetts, applying cellulose insulation is a dusty job and requires a mask. Because of the high boric acid levels, the WTC recommends wearing a respirator, in addition to protective clothing, during the application of cellulose insulation.
National Institute of Health Study
A study conducted in 2006 by the National Institute of Health determined that less than 0.1 percent of cellulose particles used in cellulose insulation were inhalable. Although the study recognized that workers occasionally experienced mucous membrane and eye irritation, lung ailments are unlikely due to the small particle size. The study concluded that further animal studies were not needed to determine the safety of cellulose insulation since most dust particles are not respirable.
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