Shop By Product Material. Be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully. Search By Brand . It comes in two forms: blown in wads and rolled in mats. When it is disturbed, fiberglass insulation releases particulates into the air that may be inhaled by those installing or removing it, or by property inspectors crawling through attics or crawlspaces where it is present. When buildings operate under negative pressure, some air must be introduced from outside to balance the pressure differential. It's been used in American homes for a century and actually rose to prominence as a safer alternative to asbestos insulation. That's fiberglass insulation, the most popular type in America. After the era of asbestos, other types of insulation like mineral wool insulation and fiberglass insulation rose in popularity. asbestos-coated ventilating ducts, and certain other applications of asbestos are known to produce irreversible lung damage and bronchogenic carcinoma, fiberglass as a suitable and gradual replacement to highly toxic asbestos in the 1970s, full-scale commercial operations and production of fiberglass in the U.S, Fiberglass: The New Asbestos, Only More Toxic and Deadly, What was not known then, that is known now, is that fiberglass may be, higher in toxicity levels compared to asbestos, in humans, cancer of the pleura is called mesothelioma and it is caused by asbestos fibers. It will be nearly impossible to clean. HEPA (high-efficiency particulate absorption) filters have a 99.7% efficiency rating. While fiberglass insulation is still used today, older insulation tends to be discolored or torn, making it far less effective. One American of every four deaths in urban areas of the United States has asbestos particles or dust in his or her lungs. The best way to protect your family is to hire an asbestos removal service to remove it. HVAC units often have no allowance for outside air, meaning the air must be brought in from different areas. The arrangement between the fiberglass and pharmaceutical industries was a favorable one because it allowed the integration of fiberglass in medications so that tiny glass shards would create very small incisions in the stomach lining to increase the absorbability of medications. You may want to replace your existing insulation with faced insulation or rigid foam insulation if its regularly exposed to moisture. But while some research suggests that inhaling fiberglass particles could cause cancer, but in 2001, the International Agency for Research on Cancer removed glass, rock and slag wool fibers -- common elements of fiberglass insulation -- from its list of substances possibly carcinogenic to humans [sources: NTP, IARC]. But in 2011, the National Toxicology Program removed biosoluble glass wool fibers the type of fibers used in insulation from its "Reasonably Anticipated To Be Carcinogens" list. Batt fiberglass is often identifiable by color, and it can come in the pink, yellow or white variety. The following twoarticles punctuate the key concerns of why fiberglass is so incredibly dangerous. It has . Read More How to Protect Yourself Against a Broken CFL (Hazardous? If the clock is ticking on your home's insulation, your energy bills are ticking upward. Over time, the indoor relative humidity will increase, potentially causing mold growth on cool interior surfaces or inside wall cavities. Blackwater, greywater, and recycled water are all types of wastewater that have a secondary use after their primary purpose has been fulfilled. 2003. He questions that somehow the toxicity of fiberglass must have been purposely hidden from the public. It is produced in R-values from 11 to 49, with thicknesses ranging from 3 inches to 14 . Fiberglass insulation needs to be handled gingerly! Fiberglass insulation is found in 71% of U.S. homes and comes in many formswhether its batt, blown-in, or loose insulation. He holds degrees in Public Health and Environmental Science and is a professional speaker on topics such as disease prevention, environmental toxins, and health policy. Insulation is usually not dangerous as long as its not damaged and properly installed. In the worst case scenario, small particles can reach the lungs and become lodged into the tissue. Common Types of Insulation and Their Health Risks, Install the Fiberglass Insulation Properly, Why Hire a Professional To Install Your Insulation. A good rule to follow is: if it looks like a job for professionals, it probably is. However, people in rural areas breathe the air 24 hours a day, not 8 hours. It is used for external insulation of commercial and residential heating, air-conditioning and dual-temperature ducts. Browse Free Delivery Products . Afterwards, wash your hands with water preferably cold water, as warm water can expand pores that can trap particles and allow them to travel deeper into the skin. "Many times in general construction this attenuated fiberglass was blown into attics, walls, cavities to insulate properly. Its not just fiberglass insulation (or the dreaded asbestos) that poses a risk. It's lightweight, easy to install, and relatively inexpensive compared to other forms of insulation like cellulose and spray foam. If you've never installed insulation before, adding fiberglass insulation with zero exposure can be a challenge. sustainableenterprises.com Even though most insulation is made of dangerous chemicals that can cause serious reactions if you get exposed to them, you can always use alternative insulation materials like sheep wool or old jeans. If you have an older home or vermiculite insulation, its worth having a professional test your homes insulation for asbestos. Real-World Solutions to Feed, Shelter, Heal, Teach & Protect, International Consulting for SustainabilityPrograms, Link: 1986 YouTube: Dow Corning Fiberglass Kills their Spokesman, the Pink Panther, The Dangers of Fiberglass and Icynene Foam. The toothpaste industry now also incorporates the use silicon dioxide which functions much in the same way fiberglass does. Still, we frequently see asbestos-related problems, from the evacuation of poorly constructed school buildings to debris created from Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005. Fiberglass insulation, a man-made mineral fiber constructed from a variety of materials, such as sand and recycled glass, is the most popular form of insulation in the United States -- more than 90 percent of homes in America are lined with the pink stuff [source: Spencer and Gulick]. A building can be wholly under negative pressure, or exhibit zones of negative pressure in certain areas (e.g. "Like asbestos, fiberglass is now recognized for creating serious health problems. Once fiberglass gets into the HVAC system, it is distributed by the air handler throughout the entire system, as well as the entire house. Although the exact mechanism is unclear, there is little doubt of the carcinogenic potential of fiberglass and its ability to negatively affect DNA. It breaks down and dusts. Hiring insulation contractors to handle everything is a good solution for the typical homeowner. 9 Signs That Your Home Is Poorly Insulated, The 6 Top Tips for Choosing the Right Home Insulation. Tip: If you work with this product in your home. Ninety percent of American homes now contain fiberglass insulation. Hire an insulation contractor to cover exposed insulation in high-traffic areas. Work in a well-ventilated space. Its also possible to develop an allergy after exposure in a process called sensitization. Fiberglass was once considered a possible cancer risk, and fiberglass products were labeled as such. In 1973,a legislative declarationwas made that asbestos constituted a public health safety hazard" Once it's installed, fiberglass rests safely between panels, sheetrock and plaster -- only when it's removed will fibers become airborne. In the early 1970s, a body of evidence linking these ubiquitous fibers to lung disease began to accumulate. When this occurs, the introduced air is not dehumidified before entering the indoor environment. Thats fiberglass insulation, the most popular type in America. Heres a detailed overview of popular insulation materials and the risks they pose: Fiberglass is one of the most commonly used types of insulation in homes across America. But while many see the benefits of insulating our houses with fiberglass, some are worried fiberglass can cause various health problems -- it's capable of causing immediate skin irritation. In 1987,The New York Times reported"these synthetic fibers, already in wide use as building materials and insulation, in cars, furniture and packaging and for many other applications in a $3 billion-a-year industry, are increasingly being employed as substitutes for asbestos, a known cause of cancer and other serious illness." As is true with fiberglass, protect your lungs with a breathing mask when handling cellulose insulation. Always wear a respirator when blowing fiberglass into spaces. These symptoms are often exacerbated if the precautions necessary to maintain ones safety while installing or removing insulation from their home arent followed closely. The United States decided to ban the sale of this insulation in 1978. Thickness Ranges: 1.5-3". According to the National Cancer Institute (NIH), asbestos exposure can cause: Mesothelioma (a relatively rare type of cancer that affects the thin membranes that line the chest and abdomen). Yet itsurrounds us and isused to insulate almost every building and home. Do not remove it yourself. It was once thought to be beneficial and safe after all, its just a rock! Nausea and vomiting (symptoms of acute exposure), Loss of coordination (long term exposure can cause neurological damage), Irritation of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Here are two of the most frequently asked questions about insulation: Sheeps wool is the healthiest insulation. If you've ever come in contact with fiberglass, you already know what it can do to your skin. James Keyser/Time Life Pictures/ Getty Images In 1990, members of the U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP), who represent ten federal health agencies, stated unanimously: Fiberglass may reasonably be anticipated to be a carcinogen in humans. EnvironmentalChemistry.com. Fiberglass insulation is present in 90 percent of homes, buildings, schools, and offices. Polystyrene Insulation in combination with PINK Insulation batts and FoamSealRTM Sill Gasket in a 2x6 or 2x4 wall assembly. Icynene foam insulation presents more of the same health hazards,airborne dangers in the form of black mold and mildew. Yet itsurrounds us and isused to insulate almost every building and home. nytimes.com. eryone knows about the fiberglass insulation that has been used for many decades in attics all over America. Fiberglass Dangers and How to Protect Yourself, What to Know About Replacing Your Homes Insulation. Easy to recognize, fiberglass insulation used for temperature and sound control is now under scrutiny by the EPA and other agencies due to side effects of fiberglass dust as well as mold and mildew due to retained moisture. This negative pressure throughout the home pulls air from unconditioned spaces into conditioned spaces. In its pure form, vermiculite is safe. Cellulose insulation is relatively inexpensive and significantly reduces air flow. Asbestos-related health hazards can take years or even decades to develop, so if youve been on worksites where this material was installed or handled, be aware that there may be some long-term effects as well. The asbestos legacy shows that senseless human suffering and mind-numbing litigation always follow when society allows wealthy manufacturers to do as they please." You may have noticed some pink pillowy material shoved into the corners of your unfinished attic. Likewise, when the heat pump turns on in the colder regions the same negative pressure is induced. Ill individuals feel better when out of the house for extended periods of time. If you're choosing new insulation for your home and have any concerns about using fiberglass, there are other options to consider. Quadruple your inspection business and reduce your liability with the Cellulose is a plant-based insulator and is the oldest form of home insulation. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); AttainableHome.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Read More Exterior Home Insulation: Should You Use It? E: The Environmental Magazine. We're happy to say that it's still possible. Ninety percent of American homes now contain fiberglass insulation. Sources: Cellulose insulation is an eco-friendly option made from recycled materials. Resin and binding substances are added to fiberglass to create strength and durability. This quality made fiberglass a good substitute once the health effects of asbestos became apparent. These are two different substances. Curiosity Project: Where should I check my home's insulation? Oct. 2004. http://environmentalchemistry.com/yogi/environmental/asbestosproperties2004.html, Certain Glass Wool Fibers (Inhalable) Report on Carcinogens, Thirteenth Edition. According to the American Lung Association, "homeowners are at risk. If fiberglass comes into contact with your eyes, your eyes are likely going to become red, irritated, and swollen. Not often. 2 Asbestos insulation was favored because it was strong and fireproof. This increases the chances of developing illnesses such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and other cancers, although symptoms of any such disease typically won't show up for 10 to 40 years. When buildings operate under negative pressure, some air must be introduced from outside to balance the pressure differential. Fiberglass has all the makings of a good insulative material. Read More The Great Debate: Pros & Cons Of Spray Foam InsulationContinue. 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. According to some estimates, thermal insulation (made from fiberglass and its alternatives) conserves 12 times as much energy as is lost in its production, and it may reduce residential energy costs by up to 40%. Indeed, asbestos isn't just resistant to heat. Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Heat naturally flows from a warm space to a cool space, and our homes suffer from this transfer. (Pros and Cons)Continue. Fiberglass building insulation is commonly installed in batts or chopped forms and may be yellow, pink, green, or white in color as is shown in these photographs. InterNACHI is a registered trademark of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. And insulation that's fixed in. (Pros and Cons), 16 Reasons Why You Should Definitely Not Lease Solar Panels, How to Protect Yourself Against a Broken CFL (Hazardous?). Also, change your clothing as soon as you're finished handling fiberglass. Environmental Research Foundation. It also has the heat-resistant qualities that made asbestos so desirable for insulation. Why You Are At Risk and What To Do About It The tiny fibers of glass from insulation wool can irritate your skin and eyes. Rummaging around in your friend's newly renovated attic, you notice what looks like a rolled-up blanket in the far corner. This includes having proper ventilation in place during installation (follow product instructions) and wearing a respirator when handling fiberglass or other insulative materials with high levels of formaldehyde in them. But its still better than using conventional fiberglass! Anyone whos ever accidentally touched fiberglass insulation knows that it can instantly irritate skin. This spurred large full-scale commercial operations and production of fiberglass in the U.S. If youre planning on installing insulation yourself, even the best methods can be dangerous and unsafe. http://thehealthcoach1.com/?p=1995 May 17, 2012. Commonly found in blanket form, called batts, it is available in bags containing standard pre-cut lengths and widths. Wear long sleeves, long pants, protective gloves, a mask, and safety goggles to minimize your risk. The best type of insulation is one that has been tested to ensure it doesnt contain harmful chemicals or radiation. For example, proper installation of spray foam insulation requires the use of special equipment. What is R-13 insulation used for? Fiberglass -- a material that nature does not make --is now measurable everywhere in the air. According to the American Lung Association, "homeowners are at risk. Negative building pressure results when an HVAC system inside a building draws in more air from the return ducts than it expels through the supply ducts. May-June 1997. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1594/is_n3_v8/ai_19998025, Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security. U.S. Department of Energy. Dec 15, 2014 at 8:57 . John Fuller Elevated concentrations of fiberglass are already measurable in the air above landfills today. Glass fibers are also thrown into the air when the insulation is moved, which can cause irritation to your eyes, nose, and throat. Its a natural product that provides buoyancy. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Vermiculite insulation was banned once it was discovered that it contained a high percentage of asbestos fibers that were proven to cause several deadly diseases. Three different kinds of glass fibers were poisonous to cells and damaged DNA in studies performed by a team of doctors at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the medical research arm of the U.S. Department of Labor. Tip: If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, discuss your legal options with a personal injury lawyer as well, since you may have a case. Unfortunately, however, this is rarely the case. The pleura is the outer casing of the lungs; in humans, cancer of the pleura is called mesothelioma and it is caused by asbestos fibers. It is then carried by the air movement all over the attic, as well as into the wall spaces. What most people may not be aware of are the lesser known uses in medications, toothpaste, nicotine products and many other consumer goods. Anyone who has ever handled fiberglass insulation is well aware of the immediate risks. A dust mask (or, for the greatest protection under any circumstances, a respirator with a particulate filter) should be used to prevent inhalation of the potentially irritating fibers. There are also other types of thermal insulation available that are not covered in this article, such as rockwool, vermiculite, and various two-part foams. Therefore, the amount of fiberglass in the outdoor air in the U.S. and Europe (and presumably elsewhere) already seems higher than prudent public health policies would permit. What Is Asbestos Insulation, and Why Is It Dangerous? In homes, fiberglass insulation can be installed in various parts of the building envelope. For example, you may feel a stinging sensation if you touch fiberglass with bare hands. The government has knowledge of attenuated fiberglass and the studies and analytical testing performed with certifiable research and development. The very fine fiberglass dust from the attic and wall spaces is simply drawn through every small crack or crevice, opening or wire conduit which leads directly into the home living space. If the dose-response curve is a straight line (that is to say, if half as much fiberglass causes half as much cancer) and if there is no threshold dose (no dose below which the cancer hazard disappears), then exposing the Earth's 5.7 billion human inhabitants to low concentrations of fiberglass will inevitably take its toll by causing excess cancers in some portion of the population. Fiberglass particles are easy to inhale. It is used in insulation, roofing shingles, ceiling tiles, textile and fiberglass manufacturing, and weather proofing. aul Ayers worked as a Certified Hazardous Materials Supervisor with extensive industrial experience in the asbestos abatement industry. The following twoarticles punctuate the key concerns of why fiberglass is so incredibly dangerous. Ayers has worked extensively within a variety of installations and settings including FBI, military, U.S. Marshall's offices as well as power generation companies, chemical refineries, educational institutions, hospitals and medical centers to name a few. Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen by state, federal and international agencies, and new uses of the material were banned in 1989 by the Environmental Protection Agency. It can be used in wall cavities, basements, attics, and just about anywhere you might need insulation. What most people may not be aware of are the lesser known uses in medications, toothpaste, nicotine products and many other consumer goods. The respirator should include a particulate filter to adequately block fiberglass particles. Most or all individuals in the home, including pets, have strange illnesses which do not respond to conventional treatments, especially skin and breathing ailments. In a series of papers published from 1969 to 1977, the National Cancer Institute determined that tiny glass fibers were potent carcinogens in laboratory rats and that it is unlikely that different mechanisms are operative in man. Specifically noted was the cancerous potential of fibrous glass in the pleura of lab animals. That said, the long-term dangers of fiberglass insulation are hard to quantify. wikipedia.org Energy-efficient doors can help you save on your electricity bills by reducing your heat consumption and ensuring that you stay warm inside your home. Common uses most people are aware of include thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, fireproofing and various applications in automotive components. Those cuts can create severe itching and irritation. North Star Fiber Cellulose Insulation is one good example of insulation made of 100% recycled paper products. OSHA papers noted that fiberglass exposed workers demonstrated a significant excess of lung cancer. Just last June theU.S. government finally added formaldehyde, a substance found in fiberglass and other commonly used products, to a list of known carcinogens. You run your hand over it to see what it feels like, but you soon realize that was a mistake. These ingredients included glycol ethers (a group of compounds considered a leading cause of worker deaths), ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons, and harmful propellants such as HFCs. Non-toxic spray foam insulation is a popular alternative to cellulose insulation for its energy efficiency and sound deadening qualities. from $40.11. "Asbestos, its chemical and physical properties." Glass-like dust which glitters when struck by light. Batts are typically stapled into place. "The resulting set of priorities is intended to round out the agency's existing programs in order to ensure that the leading causes of occupational injuries, illnesses, and deaths are being effectively addressed." "Security blanket: fiberglass' potential dangers can be avoided with insulating alternatives." In the meantime, people are still suggesting alternative ways to insulate homes -- everything including cork, corn cobs, cotton, newspapers and brick are other ways to keep the heat from escaping houses. and provides certification to help you stand out from the crowd. Jan. 15, 2008. http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/insulation/ins_01.html, Montague, Peter. "These results indicate that glass fibers are capable of transforming mammalian (BALB/c-3T3) cells in vitro as a function of their physical properties and that glass-fiber-induced transformed cells possess neoplastic characteristics." By trapping pockets of air, it keeps rooms warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and thereby serves as a convenient method to increase energy efficiency. It's just not something that researchers have spent a lot of time studying in recent years. Out of sight, out of mind? Given the current configuration of most HVAC systems, most buildings operate under some degree of negative pressure. A number of factors, including your geographical area, will come into play. Fiberglass is a suspected carcinogen. The nature of this problem is such as to constitute a hazard to the public health and safety, and should be brought under appropriate regulation." At that time asbestos was integrated into almost all building materials including adhesives, caulking, plaster, insulation, tiles, cement products, shingles, flooring, wallboards and even tapes. CodeBordTM takes care of the outside by covering the entire exterior frame,even the studs, through which most heat escapes in traditional wood sheathing wall assemblies.The inside of the wall is insulated with our tried . "Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated statistically significant elevations in the risk of lung cancer and other respiratory system cancers among workers employed in fibrous glass and mineral wool manufacturing facilities," an OSHA official stated. These filters eliminate chemicals like formaldehyde from your homes environment. Both icynene foam andfiberglass promote the growth of airborne mold and mildew. Fiberglass and cellulose are both used as insulators, although they offer somewhat different advantages. While some studies have shown an increased cancer risk in mice when lung tissue was exposed to fiberglass, the jury is still very much out when it comes to the cancer risk in humans. As an insulator, it slows the spread of heat, cold, and sound in structures, cars and aircraft. Take InterNACHI's free online "How to Inspect the Attic, Insulation, Ventilation and Interior" Course. But what are the health risks of using fiberglass insulation? The process traps many small pockets of air between the glass, and these small air pockets result in high thermal insulation properties. The problem is that its often contaminated with asbestos, especially if it was manufactured in Libby, Montana. What Happens asFiberglass Degrades into Fiberglass Dust? During the same period, the amount of fiberglass manufactured has increased rapidly year after year. When it comes down to water usage and conservation, theres no shortage of terminology. Some brands have non-toxic lines of mineral wool and fiberglass insulation that are free from formaldehyde and other additives. Fiberglass insulation is present in 90 percent of homes, buildings, schools, and offices. Does fiberglass actually contain glass? Cellulose must be chemically treated in order to reduce its flammable properties, and such additives may have the potential to burn exposed skin or other membranes, so caution should be practiced when handling it. read more Shower Doors NTP was preparing to include fiberglass in its 1992 Seventh Annual Report on Carcinogens when politics intervened. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, How to Clean Up Residential Fiberglass Contamination, How to Remove Itchy Insulation From Your Skin. Fiberglass is dangerous, though likely not for the periods of time a typical homeowner is exposed to it. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. If youve been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, coughing up blood, loss of appetite, weight loss, or fatigue, schedule an appointment with a doctor immediately. Colgate and other varieties of toothpaste originally allowed fiberglass within their formulations to facilitate tiny incisions on the gums which promoted fluoride absorption directly into the bloodstream. The U.S. National Toxicology Program issued its 13th Report on Carcinogens in fall of 2014, and while its entry on Certain Glass Wool Fibers (Inhalable) states that they are reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens, it also goes on to say that there is so much variation in production that full assessments must be made on a case-by-case basis [source: NTP]. If your pile of throw blankets is as high as your heating bills, you may have an insulation issue. If you ever need to remove fiberglass insulation or handle it for any reason, protecting yourself is pretty simple. Fiberglass: The New Asbestos, Only More Toxic and Deadly It cleans the air within 12 minutes, eliminating smoke, dust, smoke, and toxic volatile organic compounds, making it ideal for mitigating any harmful elements in the air. and see how many opportunities there are for airborne fiberglass to pass through these openings. Read More Wastewater Differences: Greywater, Blackwater, and RecycledContinue. Oct, 2, 2014. http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/content/profiles/glasswoolfibers.pdf, "Fiberglass." This means that you can easily crumble it in your hands, releasing microscopic asbestos fibers. Read More 16 Reasons Why You Should Definitely Not Lease Solar PanelsContinue. It comes in two forms: Do you know what happens to this fiberglass that sits in the attic through alternating periods of heat and cold, humidity and dryness? In the winter, warm air from the inside will move to the outside and make us cold. (Sustainability alert: Most fiberglass products are made with somewhere between 40 and 60 percent recycled glass content.). While adding new fiberglass to your home offers tons of "green" and money-saving benefits, DIY fiberglass insulation comes with health hazards. That said, the long-term dangers of fiberglass insulation are hard to quantify. Fiberglass insulation also comes in bags as loose fill that can be blown into attic, wall and floor cavities. Today, manufacturers have found safe alternatives to these previously used chemicals. Ducts with exposed fiberglass lining on the inside are particularly susceptible to mold and bacteria growth in hot, humid climates. He had unintentionally discovered an effective method to produce large amounts of fiberglass particles, a method that he would refine in later years.

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