CONTAMINANT: CELLULOSE INSULATION
ORGIN: Moldex Technical Services Department
DATE: January 28, 2003
REVIEWED: March 2010
Overview
Cellulose insulation is widely used for insulation in light construction.It is generally manufactured from recycled paper that is treated with fire retardants and is often used in attics and walls as a substitute for fiberglass insulation.It is considered relatively safe and has good insulating properties.Application of cellulose insulation is usually done by spraying it into the space to be insulated.
Cellulose insulation is classified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as a particulate not otherwise regulated with a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 15mg/m3.Although these particulates generally do not have adverse effects when exposure is not excessive, they may cause irritation of the respiratory tract, reduced vision, and deposition in the nose, ears, and eyes.
NIOSH recently performed a study of contractors working with cellulose insulation and found excessive exposures of some employees.
Moldex® Solution
Moldex® suggests the use of any of its N95 particulate respirators, as a minimum.
Affected Industries
Contractors, Plumbers, Roofers, Insulators and Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) installers should all be encouraged to use respiratory protection when exposure to this type of insulation is likely.
WARNING: The information contained in this Tech Brief is dated and was accurate to the best of Moldex’s knowledge, on the date above. It is not meant to be comprehensive, nor is it intended to be used in place of the warning/use instructions that accompany Moldex respirators. Outside of the USA, check with all applicable and local government regulations.
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