The best non-toxic insulation is either mineral wool or
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.
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.
Blown fiberglass insulation scores an R-value of 3.2 to 3.8, making it slightly less likely than rolled fiberglass to prevent the flow of heat into and out of your house. That being said, though, blown fiberglass insulation isn't meant to cover huge areas like rolled fiberglass insulation.
Generally, it's safe to be in an attic with fiberglass insulation without a mask. Is it a good idea? No. It can get into your lungs and cause the coughing you're experiencing and can also irritate your throat.
Also, when laying down additional insulation, work from the perimeter toward the attic opening. Never lay insulation over recessed light fixtures or soffit vents. Keep all insulation at least 3 inches away from recessed "can" lights, unless they are rated IC (Insulated Ceiling).
A safe home environment begins with the materials used to build it. Owens Corning® PINK Next Gen™ Fiberglas™ insulation is made with safe, proven ingredients that naturally resist fire and do not support mold growth, with no formaldehyde and no fire retardants added to the fiberglass.
Cellulose is an eco-friendly and cost-effective insulation for attics. Fiberglass and mineral wool are also popular choices because they are good at keeping heat in or out and resist moisture and pests. Special equipment blows the loose-fill material into the attic spaces, ensuring it covers everything evenly.
Cons of Blown-In Attic Insulation:
Poor installation can lead to uneven coverage, material waste, and even structural issues like sagging ceilings. Hiring a skilled installer is crucial to getting the most out of this insulation type.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Having too much insulation in your attic can allow for the accumulation of moisture. This leads to mold and mildew growth, which can be extremely bad for your health.
The best non-toxic insulation is either mineral wool or foam insulation inserts.
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.
What is the pink fluffy stuff on the walls? The pink fluffy material is usually fiberglass insulation, commonly used for its safety and efficiency. It does not contain asbestos.
The recommended R-value for attic insulation can vary depending on the climate zone in which you live. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends attic insulation levels of R-49 to R-60 for most homes in colder climates, and R-30 to R-49 for homes in warmer climates.
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..
Rolled insulation generally has a lower upfront cost than blown insulation. However, blown insulation tends to have a higher R-value, meaning it can provide superior attic insulation, creating potential for cost savings on heating and cooling bills in the long term.
Blown-In Cellulose Particles Are Paper.
Unlike glass fibers, cellulose isn't dangerous to breathe. However, it can irritate your lungs. If you have pre-existing allergies, the dust of cellulose insulation can be obnoxious.
Insufficient or uneven cavity wall insulation can lead to cold spots in the wall – a process called 'cold bridging'. This can attract air moisture and lead to issues like black mould, which can cause health problems. It'll also mean you'll be reaching for the thermometer more frequently, leading to costly energy bills.
You can add R-30 insulation batting throughout your attic. Or, you can also use blown-in insulation which has environment-friendly materials available. A 15-inch thickness is like the R-30 insulation batting. For a greener insulation project, Cellulose blown-in insulation is available.
Insulating your attic floor can create a vented attic, which is ideal for storage and not needing temperature control upstairs. Insulating the ceiling will make an unvented attic, which allows you to control the temperature for temperamental storage items, living space, and HVAC ductwork.
Moisture and allergens can be get trapped inside fiberglass
It doesn't happen often but when it does it may cause serious damages to the resident's health. People who suffer from allergies are more affected. Dust, allergens, and moisture can be trapped inside fiberglass and lead to mold growth.
In 1972, Owens Corning stopped using asbestos in their insulation products, though these products may still be in use in some settings (like older structures or ships built before the company stopped using asbestos).