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Insulation Contractors - Architects - Building Inspectors - Builders - Thermal Technicians

Mold is only a symptom. See how to control and monitor moisture in your house. Click Here

The 1997 EEBA conference featured an extensive amount of information on mold and fungi since it was during that time that "toxic mold" allegedly caused several infant deaths in Cleveland, Ohio and concern for mold dangers was at the forefront of the industry's conscience, as it still is..

Cellulose Insulation has especially been recognized as useful in combating SBS (Sick Building Syndrome) because it contains boric acid as a fire retardant. Boric Acid has several appealing characteristics: It is non-toxic (it is used in eye-washes, cosmetics, and many other consumer goods) and it inhibits the growth of mold and fungi.

Dan Lea, Executive Director of CIMA (Cellulose Insulation Manufacturer's Association) wrote the following in response to unfounded claims that insulation accelerates mold growth.

"Because of the growing concern over fungi and other IAQ matters, I made it a point to attend as many sessions as possible in the fungi and IAQ track at the 1997 EEBA (Energy Efficient Building Association) conference. I heard no one single out insulation of any type as a cause for special concern in the matter of fungi. In fact, the recurring theme was that molds are everywhere in the environment and, under the right conditions, they can grow on practically any surface. One presenter even showed a slide of mold growing on a window pane"

One presenter even went so far as to say that, "With the boric acid there, it is hard to make mold grow on Cellulose Insulation."

Something that should be understood is that mold requires certain conditions to grow.

1. A source of water or continuous moisture
2. A source of food
3. A source of heat

In most cases of mold contamination in homes and buildings, a water leak or less than effective vapor barriers of some sort are primarily responsible for the contamination. Mold will grow where there is water and any type of digestible material. Wood framing, fiberglass batting, drywall, and on most building materials. This is not any fault of the building materials. 

Of course, air convection through your walls carries moisture that can be trapped in the walls and create conditions that are favorable for mold growth. A solid insulation that prevents air convection will go far towards eliminating conditions favorable to mold growth. Cellulose Insulation accomplishes this solidity with the "spray on" form of installation. Cellulose also has the added mold growth inhibiting properties of boric acid. Foam insulation will also accomplish the tight seal that cellulose insulation does to go far towards eliminating favorable mold growth conditions.

Fiberglass batting and blown in blankets are notoriously unable to prevent air circulation within wall cavities due to the fact that air convections are measurable in fiberglass insulated walls, permitting the transfer of moisture into the wall cavities. Tyvex and other "vapor barrier" technologies were developed specifically to address this shortcoming of fiberglass insulation. Vapor barriers are not even necessary with sprayed in insulations that adhere to all surfaces, like cellulose and foams.

Mold and Fungi contamination is a very important issue. These fungi can easily spread and be released back into the breathable air supply and cause low grade illnesses, severe illness and even death. Use an insulator that protects your living environment. Use Better Insulation.

The fact that fiberglass insulation rightfully carries a cancer causing warning label much like cigarettes do, would seem to indicate this is a wise choice of policy for the banking industry to institute. The fact that the banking industry seems to be always a step ahead of the rest of us where CYA is concerned, we sit up and take notice of policy changes in that industry.

Shouldn't you?

If you would like to introduce Applegate's cellulose insulation to your Building Inspection Personnel to have it considered for inclusion in your building codes, download the Letter of Approval by clicking here and print out a copy. Applegate Insulation can be reached by calling 1-800-627-7536 and asking for information on Building Codes and Firestopping.