VOCs in fiberglass insulation: Difference between revisions

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Introduction

This page describes VOC levels in fiberglass insulation, which is a standard United States of America home construction material.

U.S. material use: Fiberglass insulation is a very commonly used insulation material in buildings that is produced in two different forms: blanket and loose-fill. As a method of insulation, fiberglass is used to aide in controlling the temperature and sound in buildings. It is less commonly used to insulate appliances and equipment such as: pipes, roofs, walls, floors, cars, refrigerators, cooking appliances ^[1].

U.S. material consumption: In the U.S. the total business of insulation is approximately $8.5 billion, but the business is expected to grow 5.3 percent annually through 2012 from increasing demand due to renewed growth in housing construction. Fiberglass will continue to be the leading material used in insulation and will outpace the demand for foamed plastic, which is the second most commonly used insulation material.There will most likely be the quickest growth from reflective insulation and radiant barriers, even though its from a small base.^[2]

Other uses for insulation: Insulation is usually thought of as a way to control temperature and maximize heat loss, but it has other uses as well. It is a great sound absorber and can lower the transmission of sound from other rooms or from outside when it is put into walls and ceilings. Insulation products are also a good way to reduce the transmission of moisture. In the case of fiberglass insulation, the batts and blankets have an outer material that serves a role as a vapor retarder and helps resist the movement of moisture vapor to places where it can condense. ^[2]

Regulatory VOC limits

There is currently no agreed upon standard for formaldehyde concentrations in residential settings. A few government agencies and organizations have created occupational definitions and levels for formaldehyde, but they differ significantly for each other.^[3]

-OSHA Set Permissible Exposure Limit-

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), has set legal permissible exposure limits (PELs) to regulate the exposure of workers in occupational settings to formaldehyde. A PEL is typically given as a time-weighted average (TWA) over an 8-hour period, but it can also be given as a short term exposure limit (STEL). For formaldehyde, OSHA sets the PEL/TWA as 750 ppb in air.

Since the PEL is over an 8 hour period, the PEL/TWA may not be able to detect high exposures during short amounts of time so OSHA also has established PEL/STELs. PEL/ STELs regulate over a continuous 15 minute period and determine the concentration levels that workers can be exposed to without suffering health effects. The limit set by OSHA for the PEL/ STEL for formaldehyde is 2000 ppb in air.^[3]

-NIOSH Set Permissible Exposure Limit-

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) uses the same formula for time weighted average, but its permissible levels differ. NIOSH defines the TWA as 16 ppb. NIOSH recommends limiting exposures to formaldehyde to levels below detection since the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reclassified formaldehyde as a carcinogen.^[3]

VOCs

A major indoor air pollutant of concern is formaldehyde. A large source of this VOC is in pressed wood products, as well as fiberglass insulation. Formaldehyde is an irritant that effects the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Long-term exposure of this compound may cause cancer. But, formaldehyde is just one of the potentially hazardous substances that can be found in indoor air. Other indoor air pollutants include other VOCs such as tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene, chloroform, benzene, styrene, and so on. The extreme concern of indoor pollution is that on average, people spend 90 percent of their time indoors. Studies show that human exposure to air pollutants suggest that indoor levels of many air pollutants may be two to five times (and sometimes much higher than this) higher than outdoor levels.^[4][5]

This comparison table ^[6][7] illustrates the attributes of common residential insulation materials. The materials and their physical form that are considered are as followed: Fiberglass [blanket], Cellulose [blown], Mineral Wool [blown], and Cotton (Denim) Batts [blown]

Costs are displayed in relation to square footage, and may vary, depending on the thickness used. Installation costs are not displayed in this table.

The R-Value describes the rating given to a material based on the materials' heat retainment capability.

Alternatives to Fiberglass Insulation

-Cotton Batts (Denim):

UltraTouch is a company that produces this product. It is made almost entirely from 100% recyclable natural denim and cotton fibers, and compared to other types of insulation, it requires a minimal amount of energy to make. It contains no VOC's or chemical irritants and needs no carcinogenic warning labels. These recycled cotton batts are fire-resistant because it is treated with natural fire retardant, that also acts as a pest, mold and mildew protector. Not only is it a better alternative for the environment, but it still maintains a high R-value of at least 8. ^[8]

-Mineral Wool:

On average, mineral wool contains 75% post-industrial recycled content. It can be used in blanket or loose-fill form and does not need extra chemicals to make it fire resistant. It is possible to create a softer batt mineral product that would be more dense, could fit in standard wall cavities tighter, and would be less prone to air convention thermal losses than standard fiberglass batt. ^[9]

-Cellulose Loose fill:

It is sprayed into closed walls and places that aren't easy accessible, for example, it works well in existing walls that you don't want to open up completely. A negative quality of this is that it tends to settle, which leaves some areas uninsulated. ^[10]

-Sprayed Polyurethane Foam:

Spray in place foam that is sticky and expands to fill the entire wall cavity. It is more costly than the other types of insulation, but has a much higher R-value because it expands to all the little nooks in the provided area. Avoid Foam with CFC's. ^[10]

-Recycled Newspapers:

Paper has superior insulating properties to fiberglass and mineral wool if it is protected from dampness and properly treated with borax to make it fire and insect resistant. It can be installed by hand filling or spray blowing it into place. ^[11]

-Soy-based Foam:

Foam insulation that is made from soy and is much healthier than spray foam, but has all of the same benefits of it. ^[10]

-Rigid Foam Board:

Stiff boards of insulation used at edges of concrete slab used in tight spaces. It is more expensive, but rigid boards get higher R-value. Avoid products with formaldehyde ^[10]

-Perlite (loose-fill):

Perlite is used as a loose-fill insulation in construction. It is an outstanding insulator and is light weight. It is applied by pouring perlite into cavities of a concrete block and it fills out all the cores and crevices completely. Perlite also enhances fire ratings, reduces noice, and is rot and insect resistant.^[12]

Do VOC's From Insulation get into Indoor Air?

Materials that contain fibers such as fiberglass composite materials or insulation can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory tract when disbursed in the air and/or inhaled.^[13]

See also

VOCs in plywood

VOCs in foam insulation

VOCs in carpet and carpet pads

• A FEW LINKS TO OTHER RELEVANT SITES OR INFO

http://www.bondedlogic.com/documents/UltraTouchComparison.pdf

http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11510

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/indoorenv/ConstructionIEQ.html

http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/Public+Website/greenbuilding/GBMaterials.pdf

References