Insulation Product Guidance

Use the red-to-green product guidance below to select safer product types by avoiding those in red and preferring yellow and green, which are safer for occupants, fenceline communities, and workers.

When choosing insulation:

• Prefer products that are based on natural materials, recycled cellulose, or minerals. Good options include cork, wood fiber, sheep’s wool, hemp, and certain fiberglass and mineral wool.
• Avoid plastic foam insulation, whether board or spray-applied.
• For board insulation, prefer expanded cork, wood fiber, and unfaced formaldehyde-free fiberglass or mineral wool.
• Blown and batt insulations are generally good options from a material health perspective, but pay attention to binders and facers. See below for the best blown and batt options.
• Avoid products with formaldehyde-based binders and those with flame retardant facing materials.
• Use mechanical installation methods, such as fasteners, to avoid unnecessary use of adhesives.