Formaldehyde Factor
When formaldehyde was declared a known human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2004, the building industry, and manufacturers of fiberglass insulation in particular, took notice. The chemical, which occurs naturally in items from apples to sea water, is used as a binding agent in the curing process of fiberglass batts, acting as the “glue” which holds fiberglass fibers together. Due to those concerns, several fiberglass manufacturers are making formaldehyde-free products. For instance, Johns Manville started producing formaldehyde-free fiberglass batts in 2002, using an acrylic binder instead. “That decision stemmed out of a concern from customers that they were installing and using something that, at the time, was [thought to be] a probable human carcinogen,” says Johns Manville spokesman Cory Ziskind. “The philosophy was that especially as homes are being built tighter and more energy efficient, the products that make them more energy efficient shouldn’t contribute to poor indoor air quality.”
Yet, many fiberglass insulation products that still contain formaldehyde are deemed “green.” The reason why, experts say, is because formaldehyde emissions from fiberglass insulation are considered nominal, with much of the chemical baking out of the material during production. Take Owens Corning’s fiberglass batts, which contain formaldehyde, but have earned the Greenguard Environmental Institute’s seal of approval for indoor air quality.
“Obviously, formaldehyde in high concentrations is a concern,” says Gale Tedhams, head of residential insulation at Owens Corning. “But we don’t think there’s an issue with formaldehyde in our product, because it’s used in a very, very small amount. We think our Greenguard certification is really the best way to evaluate that.”
US GreenFiber
The firm says its Cocoon cellulose insulation line contains 80 percent recycled paper, and provides outstanding resistance to heat flow for thermal applications, noise suppression for acoustical treatments, and added fire resistance for fire-rated assemblies. 800.228.0024. www.us-gf.com.
Thermafiber
This rock wool insulation contains 80 percent recycled slag, a byproduct of steel production. The manufacturer says starting from rock makes the product inherently fire resistant and more dense than fiberglass insulation. 800.294.7076. www.thermafiber.com.
Owens Corning
The Propink Complete blown-in wall system is designed for enclosed cavities, including walls and ceilings, and is Greenguard certified for children and schools. A dry system, it doesn’t add moisture to the wall or ceiling cavity. 800.438.7465. www.owenscorning.com.
Nu-Wool
Engineered cellulose insulation is made from recycled newspaper, containing 85 percent recycled newsprint. Nu-Wool processes more than 150 tons of recycled paper each business day, or the equivalent of 2,550 trees. 800.748.0128. www.nuwool.com.
CertainTeed
Optima fiberglass insulation is a blow-in blanket system for new construction closed-cavity applications such as side-walls, cathedral ceilings, and floors. The product has Greenguard certification for low emissions and contains 20 percent recycled content. 800.233.8900. www.certainteed.com.
Insulcot
Claiming to be the first patented cotton insulation, Insulcot carries a class A fire rating, is non-toxic, and uses no boric acid. The manufacturer says its product saves up to 30 percent more energy than fiberglass, and is biodegradable. 806.777.2811. www.insulcot.com.
InnoTherm
This firm produces cotton insulation pads and rolls using scraps from cotton shirt and denim producers. It offers R-11, R-13, and R-19 options. The firm claims its fiber insulation is permeated with a safe, deep-absorbing fire-retardant that does not powder out, increasing safety and durability. 828.466.1147. www.innotherm.com.
Guardian Fiberglass
PerfectFill is a new fiberglass insulation that uses netting and formaldehyde-free white blowing wool in wall, floor, and ceiling cavities. Thes firm has received Greenguard certification for children and schools on numerous products. 800.569.4262. www.guardianbp.com.
Johns Manville
The Spider Custom Insulation System is a formaldehyde-free, spray-in fiberglass insulation that eliminates all gaps and voids in wall cavities where energy can escape, the firm says. Spider is made from inorganic fiberglass that naturally does not support mold growth. 800.654.3103. www.johnsmanville.com.
