Many homeowners are concerned about how insulation affects indoor air quality. Insulation is an essential component of a healthy home that helps to regulate temperature and limit air leaks, which can introduce harmful pollutants and allergens into the living environment.
Natural fiber insulation like cellulose does not give off odors or release formaldehyde or particulates into the house. It also binds to toxic chemicals like NOx and SO2 on a molecular level, neutralizing them for good.
Moisture and Humidity
Moisture and humidity are the two major environmental issues that impact indoor air quality. Mold, mildew and bacteria thrive in moist conditions, and spores of these pathogens can be inhaled by building occupants for extended periods of time. Fortunately, these problems are preventable by preventing moisture from getting into construction cavities, sealing air leaks and maintaining proper insulation.
Insulation is an essential component of a healthy home, offering thermal protection in the winter and cooling efficiency in the summer. It also prevents conditioned air from escaping in the winter and outside pollutants and allergens from entering in the summer. Insulation is even able to stop mold growth in uninsulated ducts and clogged filters, improving overall indoor air quality.
Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air, and it can be measured as either absolute or relative humidity. Absolute humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air at a specific temperature, while relative humidity takes into account temperature variations.
When choosing the best insulation, homeowners should opt for non-toxic materials that are free of VOC emissions and contribute to healthier indoor air quality. Products like cellulose, natural fibers and formaldehyde-free insulation options are good choices that prioritize IAQ. In addition, proper maintenance of insulation, HVAC systems and ventilation is important to avoid issues that can negatively impact IAQ.
Pests
Insulation material prevents heat and sound from being transferred between different areas of a house. It consists of millions of tiny pockets of air, and these air pockets are what give insulation its thermal resistance. However, if pests get inside these pockets, they can release a host of chemicals that can negatively affect indoor air quality.
Human activities in buildings are a major factor that impacts indoor air quality. The pollutants that are released include environmental tobacco smoke; fuel combustion appliances such as space heaters and wood stoves; building and furniture products like acoustic ceiling tiles, drywall, millboard, pressed wood cabinets, and some wallpapers; building materials like asbestos and some fire-retardant insulation and paints; cleaning and other personal care products, hobbies, and cleaning equipment; heating and cooling systems and humidifiers; incoming pollutant sources from outside like radon and pesticides; and other natural pollutants like fungus.
Most of these sources emit pollutants at a fairly consistent rate, and their impact on indoor air quality depends on how long they stay in the environment. Some, such as gases from combustion, are emitted into the air and then dissipate quickly. Others, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are emitted into the air and can remain for extended periods of time after the source is no longer active. Some, such as allergens and bacteria, can cause a variety of health effects that range from a runny nose to respiratory illness.
Dust
Dust is a collection of moderately gross particles from inside and outside your home. It consists of dead skin cells and other debris shed by household members, dirt and grime from the outdoors, as well as pollen, sand and other soil from the street. It also contains traces of chemicals and other pollutants from nearby factories, buildings, cars, restaurants and stores.
Dust can make people sick, especially those who are sensitive to it or suffer from asthma and other respiratory conditions. It can also trigger rashes and other allergic reactions in some. In addition, it can irritate lungs and gastrointestinal tracts. It is a significant cause of indoor air quality problems in many homes, and it can even cause the breakdown of your HVAC system.
Ideally, insulation keeps heat from moving through walls or from leaving the house to the outdoors. It is made from material that traps pockets of air to provide high thermal resistance. It may be built into a home’s walls, or it may be blown into place or poured in. It can be made from fiberglass, cellulose or other materials.
Certain types of insulation also reflect the sun’s rays to prevent them from entering a building. Some are available in a bubble-form that is useful for irregularly-shaped areas or around obstructions. Consult a professional to determine what type of insulation is right for your home.
Air Leaks
Air leaks allow outside air to enter a home and conditioned air to escape, which wastes energy and makes a house uncomfortable. This influx of unconditioned air can lead to moisture problems, and can increase dust mite and mold counts in a home, as well as aggravate allergies.
Leaking air also displaces oxygen, which can cause people to feel lightheaded or sluggish. Poor ventilation can also bring in pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), from household products and building materials. These can include glues used in pressed wood products, paints, cleaners and air fresheners, as well as formaldehyde from insulation.
Most homes have some areas where air can easily escape, such as gaps around doors and windows, electrical sockets and switches, and plumbing pipes. However, many leaks are difficult to find, especially in attics and crawl spaces. A good place to start is by using the hand test – wet your fingers and move them close to the seams of a door or window frame. If you can feel a breeze or drastic change in temperature, you have found a leak.
To check for other leaks, use a bright flashlight to look up in the attic and crawl space, and poke your head into nooks and crannies. Look for obvious cracks and holes, as well as any gaps between joists and rafters.