Wool Insulation - Health Considerations

Health Considerations

Wool is not irritating to the respiratory system or the skin like fiberglass and other alternative insulating materials because its fibers are more than 30 micrometres thick which is too big to be a health risk; recently the National Toxicology Program classifies inhalable glass wool fibers as "Reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen". Wool insulation also may help prevent the sick building syndrome because it is claimed to trap substances like formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide emitted by other common building materials and combustion processes. Wool is also naturally resistant to mold, unlike cellulose and cotton used as insulation. Sheep wool is naturally flame retardant, self extinguishing and won’t melt but unfortunately the polyester in some hybrid wool based insulation products make them more flammable than conventional insulation alternatives. Because wool insulation is mechanically held together or bonded with polyester no chemicals or glues are needed. True Sheep wool insulation is biodegradable unlike mixed fibre alternatives. With the increase of municipal composting facilities available it is now relatively easy to compost at the end of is life. Used sheep wool insulation, can be composted without causing harm to the environment, but unfortunately it may produce the greenhouse gas methane if consigned to landfill.