There are other types of insulation, but these are the most common. The best non-toxic insulation is either mineral wool or
For example, cellulose insulation, made from recycled paper, is a popular, cost-effective, and high-performance option. But if you're leaning towards natural materials and have a higher budget, sheep's wool or hemp insulation can be appealing options that offer excellent thermal properties and humidity regulation.
What are healthy building insulation options? Alternative insulation materials with preferable toxicological or environmental profiles are available. Natural wool, cellular glass, cork, phenolic thermosets, and cementitious foam can meet flammability standards without the addition of harmful flame retardant chemicals.
Not all insulation materials have undergone the same level of testing and scrutiny when it comes to health and safety. Fiberglass and mineral wool insulation are the most thoroughly tested insulation material available.
Unlike asbestos, fiberglass and rock wool insulation have been determined to be not permanently harmful because the macrophages in the lungs are able to break them down and carry them away within about 10 days. Yes, people with sensitive lungs can be bothered and they should limit contact.
The best non-toxic insulation is either mineral wool or foam insulation inserts.
When products are handled continually, the skin itching generally diminishes. Their inhalation may also cause coughing, nose and throat irritation and sneezing. High exposures may cause difficult breathing, congestion and chest tightness.
However, for the environmentally conscious consumer, there are a number of alternative, eco-friendly insulation solutions available, including soy-based materials, wool, hemp, and even recycled denim.
Given a benchmark thickness of 3.5 inches, a batt of Rockwool achieves an R-15 insulation value while fiberglass achieves an R-13 value, giving Rockwool about 15% better insulating ability over fiberglass at the same thickness.
In addition, many fiberglass insulation products use: Phenol formaldehyde to bind the fiberglass fibers together (iqair.com), and the off-gassing of formaldehyde can cause similar symptoms. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen and exposure to fiberglass insulation formaldehyde causes brain cancer.
In many ways, mineral wool is a superior insulation product. It has a higher R-value per inch compared to fiberglass, about a 22-37% higher R-value. It contains 70% recycled material, making it a greener product than fiberglass at 20-30% recycled material..
Spray foam insulation is the most energy-efficient insulation to create an air barrier in the attic. Certain spray foams can expand up to 100 times its original size, so it fills all of the nooks and crannies in the attic.
Uncured spray foam is a toxic soup of these compounds undergoing chemical reactions, off-gassing toxic compounds throughout the curing process. VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, have high vapor pressure and reduced water solubility.
For rigid insulation, look for versions that do not contain flame retardants, such as mineral wool, perlite, cellular glass or cork board. Look for types that are Greenguard-certified.
HempWool insulation is durable and long-lasting as it gets its strength from resilient hemp fibers which are naturally pest, mold, and rodent-resistant.
If you're concerned about having a positive impact on the environment, fiberglass batt is probably the best insulation option for your attic. That's because it's made of recycled sand and glass. Its composition also makes it light-weight and flame-resistant.
Rockwool is not as serious a threat as asbestos, but it is still unhealthy. Rockwool has a high pH and nutrient solutions must be adjusted to accommodate for that factor. It is also susceptible to pH shifts which creates the need to continuously monitor the ph Levels of your system.
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.
Installing a vapour barrier is optional when utilising ROCKWOOL solutions, as stone wool insulation is water repellent. However, adding a vapour barrier can help to prevent additional moisture coming through the ceiling space.
Off-gassing refers to the gases emitted from a product post-production, often known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's). ROCKWOOL products conform to testing standards limiting the emission of VOC's.
While termites don't actually eat the material used in insulation, they can easily tunnel through it, negating its energy-saving benefits.
However, “by the late 1970s consumers and health organizations established a solid link between asbestos and lung disease. In 1980, asbestos production was banned throughout the U.S. and many other countries” (hunker.com). As a result, cellulose insulation was introduced as an alternative to fiberglass.
ROCKWOOL AFB® evo is manufactured with a non-added formaldehyde binder. To support our claim, ROCKWOOL has achieved the UL Environment's (ULE) Formaldehyde Free Environmental Claim Validation.
ROCKWOOL insulation repels water, so R-value is not affected. It is also completely resistant to rot, mildew, mold, and bacterial growth – contributing to a safer indoor environment. Regular Fiberglass will hold water for a long time, slowly collecting at the bottom and causing mildew and rot on the surrounding walls.
While mice's teeth are strong enough to chew through any material, they dislike chewing through thin aluminum sheets because its sharpness harms their mouths while chewing. Rockwool is a rodent's favorite because it creates a great nest that provides warmth during cold winter nights.