Selecting Certified insulation supports healthier living environments by reducing allergens, harmful chemicals, and mold growth
It is October Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month and we are continuing to highlight the issue of indoor air quality (IAQ), its impact on health and wellbeing, and how product choices for you indoor environment can impact IAQ.
One area where this impact is particularly significant is insulation. Because it is hidden behind walls and out of sight, it can easily be overlooked, yet insulation plays a crucial role in supporting healthier indoor air quality.
In this article, we’ll explore why indoor air quality matters, how insulation impacts IAQ, and highlight the importance of selecting certified products.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters
Indoor air quality affects everyone, but it’s especially important for individuals with respiratory conditions, those with asthma or allergies, the very old and the very young. Every day, we breathe in over 2,000 gallons of air, enough to fill a standard swimming pool. This air can carry dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne allergens, all of which may trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions. Indoor dust also often contains consumer-product chemicals (such as certain phthalates and flame retardants); several studies have reported detecting these chemicals in over 90% of U.S. indoor dust samples. Some of these chemicals are associated with potential health concerns, so reducing dust can help limit exposure. Insulation materials, typically installed in walls, attics, and floors, can either contribute to or help reduce these issues, depending on the materials used.
Choosing the right insulation can help reduce allergens, limit exposure to harmful chemicals, and prevent the growth of mold. Understanding how insulation impacts IAQ can help homeowners make more informed decisions about their building materials, especially when aiming to create healthier living environments.
How Insulation Affects Indoor Air Quality
Insulation plays a significant role in maintaining a comfortable and healthy home by regulating temperature and reducing energy costs. However, not all insulation materials are equal when it comes to IAQ. Some materials can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, or encourage mold growth if they retain moisture. When improperly installed or when disturbed, insulation materials can release airborne dust, fibers, and other particles that contribute to poor IAQ. This not only affects residents but also puts installers and workers at risk, as they may be exposed to these harmful particles and chemicals during installation or maintenance.
The Importance of Certified Insulation
To ensure that insulation meets the highest standards for supporting better indoor air quality, it’s essential to choose products that have undergone independent testing. The Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program helps consumers identify insulation products that have been scientifically proven to meet strict criteria for improving indoor air quality.
Certified insulation products undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet specific standards. These tests include:
- Materials: Fiberglass insulation products are eligible for certification. All ingredients are assessed to ensure that any sensitizing chemicals are either absent or present at levels not of concern. Formaldehyde-based binders must not be used.
- VOC Emissions: Insulation must meet strict certification limits for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), with emissions tested 24 hours and 14 days after installation to ensure they remain at safe levels.
- Mold Resistance: The insulation product must undergo testing to demonstrate its resistance to mold growth, helping to prevent one of the most common IAQ issues.
- Airborne Particles and Dust: Insulation must meet certification limits for airborne particle and dust levels during room disturbance when fiberglass insulation is present, ensuring minimal impact on indoor air quality.
- Special Purpose Insulation: Additional requirements apply to specific insulation types, such as corrosion testing for pipe and tank insulation or erosion testing for duct liner and duct board.
These tests are carried out in independent, third-party laboratories, ensuring that consumers can trust the certification.
The key certification criteria for fiberglass insulation to earn the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® mark: Materials, VOC Emissions, Mold Resistance, Airborne Particles and Dust.
Conclusion
As we mark Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month, we must consider every aspect of our indoor environments, insulation included. By choosing Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly® insulation, we can create homes that are not only energy-efficient but also support healthier indoor environments.
Through thoughtful choices and trusted certifications, we can all make a significant impact on the quality of the air we breathe in the places where we live, learn and work.