Proper insulation is essential for energy-efficient buildings, but not all insulation materials are created equal. Older forms, such as asbestos and fiberglass, can pose significant health risks.
Today, eco-friendly options like polyiso insulation offer effective and safer solutions that improve energy efficiency without compromising safety.
Health Concerns with Older Insulation Types
Insulation materials have evolved over the years, but older types, commonly found in homes built before modern safety standards, can present significant health risks. Understanding these dangers is important for homeowners and contractors, especially when considering upgrades or replacements.
Below are some of the most common older insulation materials and their associated health concerns.
Asbestos Insulation
Asbestos was widely used in building insulation before its health risks were fully understood. Its fibrous nature, when disturbed, releases microscopic particles that can cause severe respiratory issues, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Even minimal exposure can be hazardous, which makes it necessary to have professional removal if asbestos is present in a home. Asbestos removal requires strict safety protocols and protective equipment which highlights the importance of choosing insulation that doesn’t present such dangers.
Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass is another commonly used insulation material that can cause health problems. Made from glass fibers, it can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system when it is disturbed and becomes airborne. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) no longer classifies fiberglass as a carcinogen, but it is still critical to handle it with caution. Exposure over time, particularly without adequate protective gear, can lead to respiratory issues and skin irritation.
Urea-Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI)
UFFI was popular before the 1980s but has since been found to release formaldehyde gas that causes respiratory and skin irritation. The gas release can persist for years, which makes it a concern for indoor air quality. This type of insulation is particularly risky in older homes where it was used extensively, and professional removal is recommended in order to minimize health risks.
As insulation technology advances, it's important to assess whether modern alternatives truly offer safer options compared to traditional materials.
Evaluating Modern Insulation Options for Safety
As building practices evolve, new types of insulation have been introduced to improve safety and efficiency. However, not all modern options eliminate health concerns.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is effective at sealing gaps and improving energy efficiency, but it contains chemicals that may harm indoor air quality. Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), a key component, is known to cause asthma and other lung issues if inhaled during installation. The EPA has highlighted these risks, which emphasizes the need for professional handling and protective measures during installation.
Pro Tip: Manufacturers offer conflicting guidelines regarding the time needed to ventilate spaces after installation, which creates uncertainty for homeowners. Ensuring proper application is essential to prevent off-gassing, which can compromise indoor air quality and create long-term health issues.
Cellulose Insulation
An eco-friendly option made from recycled paper, cellulose insulation is treated with fire retardants. However, it can absorb moisture and lead to mold growth and reduced effectiveness over time. Mold not only compromises insulation efficiency, it also poses health risks, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions. While cellulose is sustainable, these issues highlight the importance of proper installation and monitoring.
Given the potential issues with some modern insulation materials, it’s essential to identify a solution that ensures both safety and efficiency, such as polyiso insulation.
Why Polyiso Insulation Is a Safe Choice
For those seeking a reliable and safe insulation option, polyiso insulation provides numerous benefits without compromising health or environmental standards. Polyiso is designed to offer superior thermal performance and long-term durability, which makes it an excellent choice for various building applications.
Superior Thermal Resistance
Polyisocyanurate (polyiso) insulation offers one of the highest R-values per inch of thickness, ranging from R-5.6 to R-8, depending on the product.
This high thermal resistance effectively reduces heat transfer to improve energy efficiency in both residential and commercial buildings.
Unlike fiberglass and other older materials, polyiso insulation remains effective without releasing harmful particles or gasses.
Its adaptability allows it to be used in walls, roofs, and other applications for efficiency across different climates and building types.
Environmentally Responsible and Non-Toxic
Polyiso insulation is an environmentally friendly choice, that is free from harmful flame retardants like HBCD (Hexabromocyclododecane), which has been banned in the EU due to its health impacts.
Instead, polyiso uses safer alternatives that meet fire safety standards without compromising indoor air quality.
Products from Rmax, for example, align with Greenguard certification to ensure that they emit low levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and maintain a minimal impact on the environment.
Polyiso insulation also supports green building practices and is compatible with LEED-certified construction, which makes it an ideal choice for projects focused on sustainability.
In addition, Rmax products include facers that improve dimensional stability and moisture resistance for longevity and performance consistency.
Ideal for Retrofitting and New Builds
Polyiso’s adaptability makes it suitable for a range of applications, including retrofits and new constructions.
Its rigid board form is easy to install for a secure fit that prevents air leaks and enhances energy efficiency.
Rmax’s polyiso products, in particular, are designed to meet stringent building codes to contribute to LEED certification and support energy efficiency goals while complying with U.S. regulations.
By offering a wide range of thicknesses and facer types, Rmax ensures that its polyiso products can be tailored to specific building needs.
Whether used in walls, roofs, or specialty applications, polyiso provides superior thermal performance and moisture resistance that other insulation types often lack.
To ensure insulation provides long-term benefits without compromising safety, there are key factors that homeowners and contractors should consider when making their choice.
Choosing the Right Insulation: Tips for Safety and Efficiency
When selecting insulation, it’s crucial to prioritize both safety and long-term performance. Here are some key considerations for homeowners and contractors:
1. Moisture Resistance
Proper moisture management is vital for insulation to perform effectively. Polyiso’s closed-cell structure provides superior resistance to moisture compared to cellulose and fiberglass, to reduce the risk of mold growth. This characteristic makes it especially suitable for environments prone to humidity or moisture accumulation.
2. Fire Safety
Polyiso insulation is inherently fire-resistant, unlike cellulose, which requires significant chemical treatment to meet fire safety standards. Choosing polyiso minimizes the need for additional flame retardants, which makes it a safer option in areas where fire hazards are a concern.
3. Indoor Air Quality
For the healthiest indoor environment, homeowners should prioritize insulation materials with low VOC emissions and Greenguard certification. Polyiso insulation’s composition ensures minimal impact on indoor air quality, unlike other options that may release toxins over time.
Switch to Rmax for Safe, Sustainable Insulation Solutions
Selecting the right insulation is essential for creating a safe and energy-efficient home. Rmax’s polyiso products are a durable, non-toxic alternative that supports both environmental goals and indoor health. Whether you’re building new or upgrading existing insulation, we provide solutions that meet the highest industry standards.
Contact us today for more information!