Question: Is Cellulose Insulation Bad For Your Health?

The particles can be irritating to the eyes, skin, and lungs. Cellulose insulation, when exposed to air leaks and moisture, becomes a breeding ground for mould. Boric acid and borates are two ingredients used in cellulose insulation, and both are highly poisonous chemical additives.

Is cellulose insulation a health risk?

After thorough review, we at EBN have concluded that properly installed cellulose insulation is acceptable from a health standpoint. We found no significant risk of indoor air quality problems, combustion, or moisture damage if appropriate installation procedures are followed.

Is it bad to breathe in cellulose insulation?

Absolutely! And here’s why… It’s just bits of shredded paper and a few added substances to treat the material and make it fire retardant. There are no dangers of very fine fibres entering your breathing system or causing any long-term damage if inhaled.

Can breathing cellulose insulation make you sick?

How it can make you sick: Because of its tiny glass fibers, it can be a high risk material to have in the home. Brushing against, moving or touching the insulation can dislodge those glass fibers, allowing them to lodge into skin, eyes, and be breathed in to irritate the throat and lungs.

Is cellulose insulation cancerous?

Cellulose, per se, is non-toxic. Biologically, cellulose is innocuous.” no adverse health effects from cellulose insulation have been identified.”

What are the disadvantages of cellulose insulation?

Disadvantages. Installation costs for cellulose can be higher than for fiberglass. Cellulose insulation creates an enormous amount of dust when it is installed, so a certified breathing mask is absolutely essential. Dry-blown cellulose sags and settles, reducing its R-value over time.

Is cellulose toxic to humans?

No. It is considered a nuisance dust by the E.P.A. and the borates that the cellulose is treated with are non-toxic to humans. Cellulose has a great burn rate and although it’s dusty when being installed, it is completely safe.

Why is cellulose insulation bad?

Cellulose insulation is treated with fire retardants such as ammonium sulfate, borax, and boric acid to meet all governmental safety requirements. Unsurprisingly, this causes cellulose to have a higher fire rating than faced fiberglass insulation.

What is the healthiest insulation?

Cork. When it comes to healthy insulation, cork tops the list, at least according to a report done by Energy Efficiency For All.

Which is better blown-in fiberglass or cellulose?

At 3.5 per inch of material, the R-value of blown- in cellulose is 23% better per inch than fiberglass batts! According to research done at the Oak Ridge National Lab, fiberglass loses up to 50% of its R-value in very cold conditions; making cellulose a better choice for homes in northern climates.

Is blown in insulation bad for your lungs?

Fiberglass insulation has the same effect on our lungs, skin, and eyes. The area exposed to fiberglass becomes itchy and irritated. If these small particles of glass become lodged in the lungs, serious respiratory conditions may result (Green Build).

Is blown in cellulose toxic?

Blown-in cellulose insulation is fire retardant Also called loose-fill cellulose insulation, this product is very fire retardant. This is because it is treated with borax, boric acid, and/or ammonium sulfate (all of which are considered non-toxic in this application).

Can you get sick from breathing in old insulation?

Respiratory Problems This is a situation where the insulating agent releases potentially harmful chemicals into your home via evaporation. Inhaling the particles for extended periods can cause serious respiratory problems, including breathing difficulties and frequent asthma triggers.

Do mice like blown in cellulose insulation?

The insulation has a low toxicity to mammals such as mice that filter out the poison through their livers, Ansley says. But because the cellulose insulation is loose and falls in on itself, rodents don’t like it and will often leave because they prefer areas where they can burrow in order to nest.

Does cellulose insulation contain formaldehyde?

Cellulose insulation contains no harmful products such as those found in other types of insulation, including asbestos, fiberglass, ammonium sulfate and formaldehyde.

Is it OK to put cellulose insulation over fiberglass?

No. Even if you have moisture in your attic, once all bypasses are sealed (and/or your roof repaired by a qualified contractor, if necessary) cellulose is blown directly over the existing insulation. Adding new cellulose insulation on top of existing fiberglass insulation is called “capping”.