Question from Anlina
Hi,
Are there any health risks associated with blown-in formaldehyde-free attic insulation? My attic is not well-sealed off from my living space.
Also, my attic already has some old blown-in fiberglass insulation that’s been there for 30 years. Will the new fiberglass somehow be more “potent” in terms of toxicity?
Thanks!
Debra’s Answer
Fiberglass is basically glass made into a very thin fiber. If you are using formaldehyde-free fiberglass, toxicity should be pretty low.
However, the fiberglass itself poses some particle hazards. It does not cause lung cancer, like asbestos, but it may cause irritation to skin, eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. If your attic is not well-sealed from your living space, particles of fiberglass could get into your living area.
If your new insulation were to contain formaldehyde, yes, it would be more “potent” than your existing insulation. But because it is formaldehyde-free, it shouldn’t be a problem.
Read more about fiberglass at http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/fiberglass.htm.
