1. Fiberglass Insulation By: James Bailey &Danielle Ballard http://www.flickr.com/photos/juniorvelo/3463629589

2. What is Fiberglass Insulation? Leading insulation material Blanket or loose-fill Used in buildings, pipes, roofs, walls Controls temperature and sound Reduces transmission of moisture Helps resist moisture vapor Yearly business revenue is $8.5 million Expected to grow with renewed growth

3. Manufacturing Fiberglass Insulation Glass is melted & liquid is spun to create fibers Binder is added to fiberglass to hold it together Most common binder is phenol-formaldehyde Alternative binders with lower VOC are available Alternative binders: Acrylic (JM) and renewable bio-based (Knauf) Minimum of 30% recycled glass

4. Regulatory VOC Limits No determined standard for formaldehyde in residential settings OSHA and NIOSH have set up occupational limits OSHA sets PEL/TWA at 750 ppb OSHA sets PEL/STEL at 2000 ppb NIOSH sets TWA at 16 ppb

5. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Most fiberglass insulation contains VOCs A VOC of major concern is formaldehyde Irritates eyes, nose, throat, and lungs; can be a carcinogen Just one of many VOCs Formaldehyde free brands are available

6. www.appropedia.org/VOCs_in_fiberglass_insulation

7. Manufacturers of Fiberglass Insulation GreenguardIndoor Air Quality Certified Environmental institute that protects human health Researches product emissions Determines appropriate levels of emissions Certifies products with low emissions Certified companies: CertainTeed, Guardian Fiberglass, Johns Manville, Knauf, Owens Corning

8. Alternatives to Fiberglass Insulation Cotton batts (denim): Ultra touch, low energy manufacture, no VOCs Mineral wool: 75% post-industrial recycled content Cellulose loose fill: sprayed, settles Sprayed polyurethane foam: expands, high R-value Recycled newspapers: superior insulator Soy-based foam: healthier, benefits of spray foam Rigid foam board: expensive, used at edges of concrete Perlite: light weight, enhances fire ratings, rot resistant http://www.instructables.com/id/istalling-Ultra-touch-recycled-cotton-demin-ins/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/kathyastone/3030049468

9. Do Fumes Get Into Indoor Air? 2 types: petroleum & excess binder Petroleum smell is from recently manufactured fiberglass Goes away in a few days Residual binder causes another type of odor Smells fishy or urine-like Dissipates slower than petroleum smell, depends on amount of binder left To speed the removal, ventilate area