Thermal insulation materials play a key role in energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings. Quite often, a material such as mineral wool is used for thermal insulation. However, it has properties that should be taken into account during operation. In this article we will figure out whether it is worth using this material in construction.
WITHTatya is useful not only for builders, but and sowho are planning to choose thermal insulation material for their home. By learning the specifics of using mineral wool, you can avoid unpleasant surprises in the future.
Mineral cotton wool: composition and production
The mineral wool production process raises some questions regarding its composition and safety. According to the manufacturers, it uses only natural materials - gabbro-diabase and basalt rocks, as well as limestone. However, to give mineral wool the necessary properties, water repellents and binders, such as phenol-formaldehyde resins or phenol alcohols, are used. This is the main disadvantage of mineral wool, which deserves close attention, because Research shows that phenol-formaldehyde resins are highly hazardous and carcinogenic substances. According to sanitary standards (SanPiN 1.2.2353-08 “Carcinogenic factors and basic requirements for the prevention of carcinogenic hazards”), they can release formaldehyde and phenol vapors, which can lead to acute and chronic poisoning, as well as increase the risk of developing malignant tumors. The data is confirmed by the leading doctor of Russia in resolution No. 76 of April 30, 2003. Despite this, mineral wool manufacturers guarantee its safety and effectiveness as insulation.
Advantages and disadvantages
One of the advantages of mineral wool is its non-flammability, which provides a high level of fire safety, but when exposed to fire it becomes unsuitable for use. In addition, it has good heat and sound insulation properties, making it an effective choice for insulating buildings.
However, during the operation of mineral wool, some problems may arise. Let's look at them in more detail:
- The material can shrink over time, which leads to a decrease in the volumetric structure of the fibers
As a result, the thermal insulation properties of mineral wool deteriorate, which affects the energy efficiency of the building. Research shows that after 25 years of operation, the seams between the slabs can open - this leads to the formation of “cold bridges” and a further decrease in the heat-shielding properties of the material.
- Mineral wool absorbs moisture from the environment
This is especially important for buildings located in humid climates or with water infiltration problems (such as flooding). Hit moisture in the material can lead to its deformation and loss of thermal insulation properties. As a result, the energy efficiency of the building decreases, and residents experience heat loss. Excess moisture can also contribute to the growth of mold and mildew within the mineral wool insulation layer.
- Mineral wool does not have high strength
The compressibility of fibrous materials can be up to 30, 40 and even 60 percent. Due to its low strength (0.018...0.045 MPa), the insulation requires protection from mechanical influences. Under load, the material contracts, causing the fibers to shrink, which creates dust and makes mineral wool environmentally unsafe.
- Mineral wool dusty during installation
Fiber particles settle on skin and clothing, and workers are forced to breathe dust from these particles during the production and installation of mineral wool. This requires additional protective measures to be taken. When working indoors, it is necessary to use respirators and protective clothing.
What alternatives exist?
Due to the low construction culture, mineral wool outperforms its competitors. However, due to the harm it causes to human health and the environment, many construction companies decide to exclude mineral wool from their projects.
Modern technologies allow you to choose an alternative among materials such as extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) or polyurethane foam (PUR). These insulation materials are more durable and safer during operation.
The silent enemy of health: the danger of mineral wool insulation
It is important to note that the materials used in the production of mineral wool may cause respiratory, eye and skin irritation. Two substances that pose a serious threat are phenol and formaldehyde, which are used as a kind of “glue” for insulation.
Formaldehyde is a highly toxic substance and has allergenic, mutagenic and carcinogenic properties. It can cause skin diseases, damage to internal organs, and have negative effects on genetics, the reproductive system, the respiratory tract and vision.
According to studies conducted by scientists, some samples of mineral wool can release up to 0.02 mg of formaldehyde per square meter of slab surface per hour. Considering the presence of other sources of this highly toxic substance in residential premises (chipboards, plywood and others materials), as well as its release from the environment, the maximum permissible concentration of formaldehyde (0.05 mg/m³) may be exceeded in repeatedly.
According to medical experts, the phenol released by the insulation very quickly gets into human skin. As soon as the substance enters the body, phenol begins to affect the brain, causing short-term excitement, and even paralysis of the respiratory center is possible. The smallest amounts of this component can cause cough, headaches, nausea and general weakness.
Candidate of Medical Sciences, pulmonologist, family doctor, associate professor of the 1st Moscow State Medical University named after. Sechenova, Dmitry Vinogradov about case from my practice:
“After renovating a house using mineral wool, my patients began to show clinical symptoms. Microscopic particles released during the destruction of mineral wool settle in the lungs and certainly have allergenic properties that damage body and leading to the development of diseases such as recurring urticaria, dermatoses, obstructive and chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma and other. In addition, bacterial and fungal infections can occur against this background, and ultimately this can lead to cancer, disability and serious consequences.”
More severe poisoning can cause fainting, loss of corneal sensitivity, seizures and even cancer. People living near sources of phenol for long periods of time are at risk of having children with physical and mental disabilities.
Phenol and formaldehyde can be released from mineral wool throughout the entire period of use.
Let's sum it up
Despite its positive characteristics, mineral wool has a number of significant disadvantages. One of the features of this material is the rapid loss of properties. In addition, the phenol-formaldehyde resins used in it pose potential health and environmental risks.
Among modern materials for construction and insulation of premises, it is possible to find alternatives. For example, polyurethane foam or extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) - they have excellent thermal insulation characteristics and do not contain harmful substances. Considering the above, when choosing a material for construction, it is worth weighing all the pros and cons of each of them, namely, answering the questions: how long will this or that material last you? Does it quickly lose its properties? And most importantly, is it potentially harmful to health?
