Remember that Rockwool versus fiberglass insulation video I made a few months ago? Well, last week I got a letter from the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of NAIMA which is the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association.
A week after I posted that video, Owens Corning set up a Zoom call and to complain about my video. What’s really suspicious is that everything they said is in this official letter from NAIMA. This letter also seems to focus on my description of fiberglass and slag wool, and not as much on rock wool. Along with this 5 page letter, NAIMA, also sent pages of studies and research and I naturally went through all of it.
Respiratory protection
Firstly, I mentioned that respiratory protection, like face masks, is required when working with both fiberglass and rockwool. However, NAIMA clarified that wearing masks is recommended only in specific situations, such as handling loose fill insulation or during insulation removal. The exposure levels in manufacturing facilities and installation scenarios are generally low, and improvements in product design and engineering have further reduced fiber release.
Respiratory Issues
Additionally, I stated that inhaling fibers from fiberglass insulation could cause respiratory issues, citing IARC’s earlier identification of glass, stone, and slag wool as possible carcinogens. However, updated research indicates that glass fibers are not toxic and do not increase the risk of lung cancer or mesothelioma. Manufacturers have also replaced formaldehyde binders with a safer alternative, resulting in significantly reduced hazardous air pollution emissions.
Slag wool vs Rockwool
NAIMA also took issue with my statement that slag wool is inferior to rock wool. They argued that the comparison lacks a proper basis. While the pricing difference between Thermafiber and Safe and Sound insulation is substantial, the reasons for this difference remain unclear. I also discovered research indicating differences in properties like acidity coefficient and water resistance, but I acknowledge that further investigation is needed to better understand slag wool’s performance.
Sustainability
Lastly, NAIMA challenged the use of terms like “environmentally friendly” for insulation products, arguing that no product can claim to have no impact on the environment. While I agree that it’s essential to quantify the environmental impact through embodied carbon or energy, it’s also valuable to identify insulation products that are comparatively more sustainable than others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I want to emphasize that my intention is not to bring down any company, but rather to explore and understand the complexities of building science products and technology. I am grateful to NAIMA for sharing their insights, and I hope this discussion contributes to a more informed dialogue on insulation choices. As always, I remain open to learning and correcting any inaccuracies to promote accurate and constructive information in the field of building science.
https://www.insulationecoin.com/difference-basalt-rockwool-slag-mineral-wool/
