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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: The total insulation business in the U.S. is approximately $8.5 billion, but it is expected to show significant gains, with demand projected to rise some 5.3 percent annually through 2012, based on renewed growth in housing construction. Fiberglass will remain the leading insulation material and outpace demand for the second largest type, foamed plastic. Reflective insulation and radiant barriers will see the fastest growth, albeit from a small base [2]

Other uses for insulation: Although we generally think of insulation in terms of thermal comfort, it is an excellent sound absorber, and when installed in walls and ceilings, can reduce the transmission of sound from other rooms or from the outside. Insulation products can also be used to reduce moisture transmission. For example, many fiberglass batts and blankets come equipped with facing material that acts as a vapor retarder to help resist the movement of moisture vapor to cold surfaces where it can condense. [2]

Regulatory VOC limits

At present, there is no generally agreed upon standard for formaldehyde concentrations in residential settings. Several different governmental agencies and other organizations have established occupational definitions and levels for formaldehyde. Regulatory levels differ significantly among agencies.[3]


-OSHA Set Permissible Exposure Limit-


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

The PEL/TWA may not capture high exposures during brief periods of time so OSHA also has established PEL/STELs. PEL/ STELs regulate the concentration to which workers can be exposed continuously for a short period of time (15 minutes) without suffering health effects. OSHA has set the PEL/ STEL at 2000 ppb in air for formaldehyde.[3]


-NIOSH Set Permissible Exposure Limit-


The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) uses the same definition for TWA, but its levels differ. NIOSH defines the TWA as 16 ppb. Since the IARC reclassified formaldehyde as a carcinogen, NIOSH recommends limiting exposures to levels below the limit of detection.[3]

VOCs

A major indoor air pollutant of concern is formaldehyde. A primary source of this VOC is pressed wood products, as well as fiberglass insulation. Formaldehyde is an irritant to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, and long-term exposure 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, p-dichorobenzene, etc. Studies of human exposure to air pollutants suggest that indoor levels of many air pollutants may be two to five times (and occasionally more than 100 times) higher than outdoor levels. This is of special concern since people spend, on average, 90 percent of their time indoors.[4]


This comparison table [5] 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 sq. 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.


COMPARISON TABLE OF PRODUCTS AND THEIR RELATIVE VOCS (ANYTHING ELSE? COSTS MAYBE?). MAKE THIS TABLE SORTABLE (SEE Help:Tables)

Materials Costs (sq. foot) R-Value (per in.)
Fiberglass $0.70 3.7
Cellulose $1.20 3.5
Mineral Wool $2.40 3.1
Cotton Batts $1.20 3.7

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. [6]

-Mineral Wool:

Mineral wool contains an average of 75% post-industrial recycled content. It doesn't require additional chemicals to make it fire resistant, and it can be used in two different insulation forms: blanket (batts and rolls) and loose-fill. It is also possible to produce a softer, batt-type mineral product. This product would be denser, be able to fit standard wall cavities tighter, and would also be somewhat less prone to air convection thermal losses than standard fiberglass batt products. [7]

-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. [8]

-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. [8]

-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. [9]

-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. [8]

-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 [8]

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.[10]

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

References

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