GBlist: Cellulose post-install dusting?

["Bion D. Howard" <bdhoward@ix.netcom.com>]

Sounds like:

1.  Only a real problem when crews did not clean up properly, and protect
job site (retrofit) from materials leakage.  Be sure to have a site cleanup
and protection clause in your contract.  Also specify that any packaging
materials be removed from site, and recycled or re-used.

2.  If dusting occurs after install _ with _ proper cleanup, then suspect
leaky return air ducts in vicinity of blown in materials might be
entraining dust and transporting it to breathing zone via FA system.  This
could be more of a nuisance with Cellulose, but might lead to some health
concerns with mineral-fiber loose fills.  

Note: there is ongoing concern about fibers and health in buildings, I
can't really cover here.  See:  Energy Design Update, JLC and EBN for good
articles over the last few years on these issues.

 3.  !!!  I always recommend if there are ducts in the attic that is to
receive a blown-in insulation job of _any_material, first track down and
seal to maximum extent possible duct leaks and leakage sites between attic
and conditioned spaces FIRST.  Return air ducts located in attics are bad
practice to begin with, but admittedly are hard to avoid in some home designs.

Cellulose Industry Info and Guides and Standards:
  CIMA   <http://www.cellulose.org>

*** Read Mike Uniake's article on insulation QC/QA issues 
   in recent Home Energy mag issue.  A real eye opener !

===
>Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2000 08:50:11 -0600
>From: Steve Stelzer <steve@courtneyhp.com>
>Subject: GBlist: RE: greenbuilding-digest V2 #1281
>
>Has anyone experienced an increased dust buildup in the living space after
>installing blown-in cellulose insulation in the attic?  I'm trying to find
>out if that is a drawback to using this relatively green product.
>
>Steve
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