What Chemicals are in Cellulose Insulation?

Compared to other insulation materials, cellulose is deemed the safest, smartest, and greenest choice. The fact that it is made from waste paper, which is one of the country’s biggest waste disposal problems, makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to insulate their home at the smallest impact on the environment. However, like any other recycled product that has been through an industrial process, it is subjected to chemical treatment to ensure you get a quality product at the end. Call our Attic Insulation Toronto for professional insulation services in the GTA.

While chemicals in cellulose insulation may worry you, the number of people that have complained of health issues related to it is small. Still, before you make your decision on using cellulose insulation, it is vital that you know what it is made of and how it is installed, so your decision is informed.

Cellulose is a carbohydrate that is found primarily in the cell wall of plants. Here, it plays a structural role and is rather inert. However, cellulose insulation is not as inert, as it is a complex compilation of industrial-grade chemicals. Cellulose insulation comes from newspapers, which means that it bears all the chemicals used in the manufacture of newsprint from tree-borne cellulose, such as boric acid and borax.

As cellulose is extracted from wood, it is treated with sodium hydroxide, sodium sulphide, and chlorine-based bleaching agents to ensure that the newspapers you see have their crisp white colour. Newsprint also consists of dyes, resins, organic solvents like xylene and toluene, and other chemicals. During manufacture, cellulose insulation is treated with ammonium sulphate, ammonium phosphate, and zinc chloride, plus borax and boric acid to make it fire retardant. These chemicals make up about 20% of the final product.

Cellulose insulation is installed by blowing, where a machine fluffs up the cellulose mechanically then blows it out through a hose and onto your attic floor. You are advised to have cellulose insulation installed by professionals who will professionally install it in your attic. Having a professional contractor is especially critical if you are installing it in a preexisting home. They will assess the building and consider all possible leakage spots as they install the insulation to ensure that the cellulose does not leak into your living space.  Compared to other insulating agents, cellulose is greener and safer and will offer you excellent service.