Cellulose is made from recycled newspaper, so it's an eco-friendly insulation solution. You can also rest assured that it's a safe product to have in your house—no formaldehyde, no harmful chemicals.
The formaldehyde levels from the test results (12.7 µg/m3) are at 20% of those allowed by GREENGUARD (61.4 µg/m3). It is good to know that blown-in-cellulose insulation is indeed a low-emitting product!
Cellulose insulation is heavy, and compacts any underlying insulation. Because cellulose insulation is paper, it absorbs moisture when it rains, and in areas of high humidity. Cellulose insulation degrades over time and has to be replaced. Cellulose insulation promotes the growth of mold & mildew in your attic.
Thermafiber® Safing FF is a formaldehyde-free mineral wool insulation that excels in many critical fire containment applications. Owens Corning's formaldehyde-free insulation solutions continue to shape the industry's standards for enhanced fire protection and more eco-conscious building practices.
There are other types of insulation, but these are the most common. The best non-toxic insulation is either mineral wool or foam insulation inserts.
Use natural materials, if possible, in areas of the house with low or no moisture. Options include cotton from post-industrial scrap denim, sheep's wool, hemp and cellulose from recycled newspaper, and other natural fibers. Keep in mind that cellulose insulation runs the risk of settling over time.
Respiratory Issues
In the same way that these microscopic shards can cut external skin, they can also become embedded in the internal tissue of the lungs and throat. This can cause: Coughing and throat irritation. Wheezing and shortness of breath.
As of October 2015, every fiberglass insulation company in the United States and Canada has phased out the use of formaldehyde-based binders in lightweight residential products. Formaldehyde is a human toxicant with a long history of use in residential insulation.
Asbestos insulation is a building material that contains asbestos. This toxic, natural mineral can cause mesothelioma and lung cancer. It can also cause other serious diseases. There are many types of asbestos insulation: block, loose fill, spray-on and wrap.
Cellulose insulation is safe.
In fact, many professionals consider cellulose to be more fire-safe than fiberglass. This claim rests on the fact that cellulose fibers are more tightly packed, effectively choking wall cavities of combustion air, preventing the spread of fire through framing cavities.
While cellulose insulation itself is treated to be mold-resistant, the surrounding structure may not be. Understanding how and why mold is likely to occur can help you prevent serious structural damage. Given these risks, swift action is imperative if you suspect your cellulose insulation has become wet.
While cellulose insulation offers many benefits, its susceptibility to moisture damage is a notable drawback. If exposed to moisture, the paper fibers can absorb water, leading to mold growth, reduced insulation effectiveness, and potential structural damage to the building.
Pink® Batts® insulation uses a Phenol-formaldehyde (PF) binder. There's been lots of misinformation about the safety of free formaldehyde in our finished products, so here are the facts. Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring compound that's part of the decomposition process.
There are small amounts of formaldehyde in nearly all homes.
“Formaldehyde-free,” as its manufacturer uses that term, is fiber glass insulation produced using a binder containing no formaldehyde. However, like all glass fiber insulation, “formaldehyde-free” fiber glass insulation contains trace amounts of formaldehyde—though less than traditional fiber glass insulation.
The highest incidence occurred in tequila (83%), Asian spirits (59%), grape marc (54%), and brandy (50%). Our survey showed that only 9 samples (1.8%) had formaldehyde levels above the WHO IPCS tolerable concentration of 2.6 mg/L.
In homes, the most significant sources of formaldehyde are likely to be pressed wood products made using adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins.
The EU has issued legislation to regulate formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing substances in articles. The new law will be implemented in phases, starting August 6, 2026.
Air Leakage
Fiberglass insulation is less dense than other types of insulation and does not create an airtight seal, which means air can travel freely through the insulation. This is called air leakage and it's one of the most common sources of energy loss in a house.
In older homes, you'll often find insulation materials like cellulose (made from recycled paper), rock wool, or even horsehair. Fiberglass became popular in the mid-20th century due to its affordability and ease of installation, but it wasn't always the go-to choice.
Health hazards of interacting with exposed insulation include: Risks of skin, eye and lung irritation. Potential for mold and mildew growth. Risk of increased health problems for kids, as uncovered insulation isn't child-proof.