Chemical components of shredded paper insulation: a preliminary study

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Toxicology

Background:

• Shredded paper insulation is a common building material.
• Concerns exist regarding potential toxic components in insulation materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform a preliminary characterization of potentially toxic components in shredded paper insulation.
• To assess the safety of insulation for human occupants.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of volatile and extractable constituents using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).
• Formaldehyde analysis using EPA Method TO11.
• Characterization of insulation samples including previously produced insulation (PPI), PPI feedstock, freshly produced insulation (FPI), and installed insulation (II).

Main Results:

• No volatile constituents were detected in headspace air at room temperature.
• At 90°C, traces of hydrocarbons and aldehydes were found in PPI, and toluene in FPI.
• Extracts showed various compounds including esters, hydrocarbons, phthalates, and fire retardants (boron, sodium).
• No formaldehyde was detected.
• Calculations indicated a very high daily intake of fine particles would be needed to reach toxicologically relevant levels for boron.

Conclusions:

• Shredded paper insulation contains expected fire retardants and other minor constituents.
• Under normal conditions, the analyzed insulation components are unlikely to pose a toxicological risk to occupants.