Can You Be Allergic to Insulation?

Allergy symptoms like sneezing, coughing, or itchy eyes are so common that they come and go many times without you ever finding out what caused them. Some allergies are seasonal, and some can even be triggered by the hidden allergens we don't even know exist in our homes.

Some allergic reactions appear along with home renovations, or redecoration, and can be related to dust, various chemicals, or even installing insulation.

Can People Be Allergic to Insulation?

Being allergic to an insulation material isn’t very common, however, some people may experience allergic reactions or respiratory issues when insulation isn’t properly installed. In such cases, particles of the insulation material become irritants that cause allergies or similar symptoms.

Some insulation materials like fiberglass may release harmful particles, while others can fail to protect your home from outdoor pollutants which can also cause health problems. Properly installed and maintained insulation is therefore extremely important for a healthy environment in your home.

What Are the Common Allergic Reactions Caused by Insulation?

Allergic reactions to insulation are common if a person gets into direct contact with some of the materials. There are various insulation types, and they can cause different issues or allergic symptoms.

Three of the most common materials that can cause allergies are fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam. Allergies are often associated with fiberglass as it contains small recycled glass particles in its fibers.

Respiratory problems

Insulation materials such as fiberglass, if not properly sealed, can release tiny airborne glass particles. Inhaling these particles can lead to respiratory issues, causing allergy symptoms like coughing, sneezing, or wheezing.

Sore eyes

Insulation particles that spread through the air can also irritate the eyes, causing redness, itching, and tearing. That’s why eye protection is extremely important when installing or removing insulation.

Rashes and skin problems

If certain insulation materials (like fiberglass, or mineral wool) come in direct contact with the skin, it can cause irritations, redness, itching, or rashes. Proper protective gear and clothing are therefore essential when working with such materials.

Which Insulation Materials Cause Most Allergies?

When choosing insulation for their homes, people mostly consider its R-value, and performance related to preserving the comfortable environment indoors and saving energy on heating and cooling. However, knowing how an insulation material can affect your health is an important factor to consider, too.

• Fiberglass insulation

Fiberglass is a fluffy-looking insulation material, usually yellow or pink, that is made of tiny glass fiber. When this material is touched or moved, the tiny glass particles can be released into the air.

In such cases, these particles can get into the skin, nose, mouth, or eyes. Touching or inhaling them can lead to irritation and, sometimes even trigger more severe reactions.

• Spray foam insulation

Spray foam is an insulation material made of expansive insulating foam that seals all gaps and cracks effectively. It is also non-degrading fire-retardant while having outstanding R-values.

Only due to an improper installation, spray foam can cause some allergic reactions. If a person comes in direct contact with the chemical this material is made of, skin irritations, or respiratory problems may appear. When installing spray foam insulation, proper handling and ventilation are crucial to avoid or minimize the risk of these health problems.

• Blown-in insulation

Blown-in insulation is a type of thermal insulation that is installed by blowing or spraying the material onto the walls and into the cavities. It creates a seamless barrier against heat transfer, making it a popular choice for improving energy efficiency, especially because it’s also very adaptable to all kinds of spaces.

Some types of blown-in insulation are made of recycled paper or fabric, and their tiny particles. This material is known as eco-friendly and practical for installation, however, with time, it can collect a lot of dirt, dust, dander, and pests, which are all common allergens and can affect the air quality indoors.

Furthermore, as it gets older, this material can create dust itself, and release it into your living space causing allergic reactions like coughing, sneezing, stuffy nose, and itchy eyes.

• Foam board insulation

Foam board insulation comes in the form of large, flat boards or panels with good insulating properties and fire-resisting properties. It is commonly used in walls, roofs, and building foundations to increase energy efficiency and control temperature indoors.

As the material gets older, it can release flame-retardant bromines into the air. These substances can be very harmful to human health as they affect vital internal organs like the liver and kidneys, or cause respiratory problems.

If this insulation is not installed properly, and the sealing isn’t good, it can lead to moisture issues or drafts, that can further cause mold or bring harmful particles from the outside environment into your home.

How to Avoid Insulation Allergies?

When installing any type of insulation that can release chemical components, it's crucial to take care of your safety by wearing appropriate protective suits and equipment, including gloves. Such protection shields your skin, eyes, and respiratory system from potential hazards and health problems.

Make sure the insulation is properly installed and sealed to prevent any loose particles from becoming airborne. Professional assistance during installation will ensure you are doing it right, and preventing the risks.

Avoiding direct contact with the material and providing proper ventilation during the installation process is also important, so besides wearing a mask and protective suit, don’t forget to open the windows and use fans if possible.

After a successful installation, make sure all gaps and cracks are sealed to prevent the release of airborne allergenic particles, or any harmful substances from the outer environment.

Finally, regular cleaning, especially dusting and vacuuming will help remove any potential allergens from your home. Checking the quality of the insulation, and replacing it when it gets old and starts to decompose, shouldn’t be neglected, as it represents an important investment in your overall health.

Can Insulation Affect an Already Existing Allergy and How?

Insulation in your home could be the unseen fuel to your allergies. If you are already fighting a respiratory allergy or asthma, and trying to get rid of allergens like dust mites, pet dander, mildew, and molds, don’t forget that they can persist inside the insulation material. Whether it's due to an outdated insulation system, improper installation, or a wrong insulation choice, these issues may be triggering difficult allergy symptoms like itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, etc.

There are a few potential ways an insulation can affect your pre-existing allergy:

If insulation gets damaged or disturbed, it can release allergenic particles into the air. These particles may include dust, mold spores, or other irritants that could worsen your respiratory allergy symptoms.

When insulation isn’t installed properly, it can allow moisture in, which can lead to mold growth. Mold spores in the air can affect the air quality in your home, which can further affect your allergy.

Some people may be sensitive and react to the chemicals or adhesives used in certain insulation materials. Exposure to these components can cause or enhance allergies.

In some unfortunate cases, insulation materials can attract pests like insects and rodents, which create dirt, affect air quality inside, and worsen your allergies.

What Is the Best Insulation Against Allergies?

The best insulation against allergies is the one that minimizes the presence of allergens and preserves indoor air quality. Closed-cell spray foam, for example, provides an airtight seal that prevents outdoor pollutants and allergens from entering your home and can be what you're looking for.

An insulation resistant to moisture that prevents mold growth and doesn’t attract pests makes a good choice for people suffering from allergies, too. Treated cellulose insulation is one material that may suit people sensitive to such irritants.

Even fiberglass, blown-in insulation, and foam board insulation can protect your home from allergens very well if they are installed properly.

However, an insulation material that connects all these good features, installs super easily, and doesn’t pose health risks is Prodex Total. It’s a type of reflective bubble insulation that comes in light rolls and applies easily to any surface while providing high R-value and perfect thermal insulation.

Prodex Total makes a great vapor barrier as well, prevents mold and mildew, and doesn’t support bugs or rodents. Prodex is lightweight and easy to install even without professional help.

Installing the Insulation Properly

In your endeavors towards a comfortable and allergen-free living space, remember that the right insulation is important, but that the proper installation is essential. Even though some insulation materials may not seem difficult to install as a DIY project, make sure that you at least do thorough research about the material and installation requirements of your space.

Consulting experienced professionals is always a good idea, as they can guide and assist you in the process, and offer you practical and efficient solutions.

Finally, don’t forget to equip yourself or your assistants with protective gear when installing or handling insulation materials in any way, and avoid getting exposed to uncomfortable allergic reactions and unnecessary health risks.