Dear “Earth Talk”: I have asthma as a
result of exposure to the fiberglass insulation in our home. How can I find
insulation that won’t make me sick? — Cynthia Bacon, Orlando,
Fla.
Fiberglass, a common home insulator that became
popular after the dangers of asbestos became more widely known, is itself
now associated with a range of health issues. Microscopic slivers of
fiberglass can break loose during handling and be inhaled, irritating the
lining of the respiratory tract and becoming lodged in lung tissue. This
can cause a fibrous buildup that reduces lung capacity, or it can cause DNA
mutations that can lead to lung cancer. In fact, cancer warnings appear on
all fiberglass insulation sold in the United States.
Although wearing a respirator or dust mask can prevent
the inhalation of fibers during installation, all three principal U.S.
manufacturers of fiberglass insulation now seal their batts in perforated
polyethylene or polypropylene sheeting so as to prevent airborne exposure.
Nevertheless, for those with aggravated respiratory problems, replacing
fiberglass insulation with a more environmentally friendly alternative may
be the best option. Luckily, many such options are available.
A favorite of environmental advocates is cellulose,
which is made from recycled, shredded newspaper. In his book The Solar House author Dan
Chiras calls cellulose “one of the most environmentally friendly
insulation choices.” It is also highly efficient, readily available,
and economically priced, he says, and thus competes well with fiberglass.
Chiras also recommends cotton insulation, calling it
“a natural product and safe from a human health standpoint” but
acknowledging that it is twice the price of fiberglass and “one of
the most chemically intensive crops grown in the United States.” It
contains no formaldehyde binders, however (a health and environmental plus)
and usually contains a fire retardant (an important safety consideration).
The Fiberglass Information Network also recommends
insulation batts made from recycled No. 1 plastic, known as PET, the same
material used to make some soda bottles and carpeting. Manufactured by
Rtica Corp., based in Stony Creek, Ontario, the batts are installed in the
same way as fiberglass and make for an excellent fiberglass-replacement
choice.
But before you rip out that old fiberglass, it may be
worth your while to get a professional to evaluate the integrity of your
home’s ductwork. With properly sealed ducts, any stray fiberglass
slivers inside your walls should not be able to get out. In the case of
duct contamination, your best bet is to replace the entire system. Duct
cleaning is also an option, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
does not recommend it. If you do decide to opt for cleaning, the National
Air Duct Cleaners Association offers a list of companies that can do the
work.
For more information:
Fiberglass Information Network, www.sustainableenterprises.com/fin; Rtica
Corp., 905-643-8669, www.rtica.com; National Air Duct Cleaners Association,
202-737-2926, www.nadca.com.
Send questions to “Earth Talk” in care of E/The Environmental Magazine,
P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; or e-mail earthtalk@emagazine.com.
This article appears in Feb 3-9, 2005.
