The healthiest and safest type of insulation for most homes is generally considered to be mineral wool, also sold as Rockwool or Roxul, and formaldehyde-free fiberglass batts with plant-based binders. Mineral wool is made from natural volcanic rock and slag that is melted and spun into fibers. It is naturally non-combustible with a melting point over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit, so it acts as a fire barrier. It contains no formaldehyde, no fiberglass, is highly resistant to mold, mildew, and pests, and does not off-gas volatile organic compounds. It also provides excellent soundproofing. Formaldehyde-free fiberglass like Owens Corning Pink Next Gen and Johns Manville with bio-based binders is also very healthy because it is GREENGUARD Gold certified, contains over 50 percent recycled content, and is inert once installed behind drywall. For people with extreme chemical sensitivities, natural options like dense-pack cellulose made from recycled newspaper treated with borate for fire resistance, and sheep's wool insulation, are popular because they are renewable and handle moisture well. The least healthy options are older urea-formaldehyde foam and poorly installed open-cell spray foam that was not mixed correctly, which can off-gas. Any insulation is safest when properly installed with air sealing so fibers do not enter living spaces.
1 votes
Marked as accepted