Personal Health Benefits

Many common building materials release and/or contain fairly dangerous substances. Fiberglass insulation is listed as a potential carcinogen, containing respirable glass fibers and most likely formaldehyde. Applegate has none of these concerns. In fact, Dr. Arthur Furst, one of the world's foremost toxicologists, has been quoted as saying; "In essence, the dusts from cellulose insulation materials can be considered as any household dusts. Cellulose, per se, is non-toxic. Biologically, cellulose is innocuous."

Donna Reynolds of the American Lung Association says, "Poor indoor air quality affects millions of workers' health, decreases productivity, and increases the amount of sick leave." Perhaps that's why the American Lung Association of Virginia (ALA-VA) chose Applegate Insulation to insulate their 12,000 sq. ft., Breathe Easy® office complex. Applegate helps ALA-VA realize their primary goal of minimizing indoor air pollutants.

Mold Concerns
Mold spores are found in nearly every environment—inside and outside. Mold can be carried in through windows, doors and HVAC systems, your clothing and pets. Three things must be present fro mold spores to activate and grow: correct temperature, nutrients/food, and moisture. Mold can grow in structures between 47F – 120F.

Applegate Cellulose Insulation® has been tested and found to be fungi resistant under federal standards. Additionally, Applegate does not cause moisture problems. In fact, it helps prevent them. Applegate's density and custom fit aid in controlling air infiltration and exfiltration. Other insulations may permit moisture to piggy-back it's way into the walls on humid air; once inside the structure it may condense and gather on cooler surfaces, jumpstarting the mold to life.

In the EPA's guide to Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, the first question they ask someone to consider when assessing a mold occurrence is: "Are there existing moisture problems in the building?"
In a paper entitled "Mold: Causes, Health Effects and Clean-Up", Joe Lstiburek, a well-know building scientist, emphasizes the correlation between moisture and mold, "Mold requires water. No water, no mold. Mold is the result of a water problem. Fix the water problem. Clean up the mold. And you have fixed the mold problem. To avoid mold problems, avoid water problems. "

Enviromental Benefits
Cellulose insulation installed by Clements Insulation is manufactured by Applegate Insulation. Insulation can be an excellent, high quality end use for materials that would otherwise be dumped into landfills. Applegate contains 85% post-consumer recycled newsprint.