Use formaldehyde-free insulation
FormaldehydeChemical found in many building products; most binders used for manufactured wood products are formaldehyde compounds. Reclassified by the United Nations International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2004 as a “known human carcinogen."-free insulation is better for indoor air quality.
One strategy for reducing the concentration of contaminants inside the house is to specify building products that contain as little formaldehyde as possible. Johns Manville manufactures fiberglass insulation that uses an acrylic binderGlue used in manufactured wood products, such as medium-density fiberboard (MDF), particleboard, and engineered lumber. Some binders are made with formaldehyde. See urea-formaldehyde binder and methyl diisocyanate (MDI) binder.
. At the same time, look for insulation that is made with recycled content. Fiberglass, cotton and cellulose insulationThermal insulation made from recycled newspaper or other wastepaper; often treated with borates for fire and insect protection. all have significant amounts of recycled materials.
Green points
LEED for HomesLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED for Homes is the residential green building program from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). While this program is primarily designed for and applicable to new home projects, major gut rehabs can qualify.
: 1/2 point for using insulation with at least 20% recycled content (MR 2).
NGBSNational Green Building Standard Based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and passed through ANSI. This standard can be applied to both new homes, remodeling projects, and additions.
/ICC-700: Up to 6 points for using building materials with recycled content (604.1).
Learn more in the Green Building Encyclopedia
Learn more in the Green Product Guide
