From the Guidelines
If you smell burning insulation, evacuate the area immediately and call emergency services, as this odor indicates a potential electrical fire hazard that can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which is a significant risk to morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. The risks of inhaling burning insulation fumes include:
- Respiratory irritation and damage
- Toxic chemical exposure, including carbon monoxide, which can cause long-term cognitive sequelae 1
- Potential for burns or injury from fire Once safely outside, do not re-enter the building until cleared by professionals. If you've inhaled fumes, seek medical attention, especially if experiencing symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Burning insulation releases harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, styrene, and other volatile organic compounds, which can cause both short-term and long-term health effects, including cognitive impairment 1. The specific risks depend on the type of insulation, duration of exposure, and concentration of fumes. According to the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, hyperbaric oxygen treatment may be beneficial in preventing long-term cognitive sequelae in patients with acute carbon monoxide poisoning 1. To prevent such incidents, ensure regular electrical system inspections and maintain smoke detectors throughout your home or workplace. If you frequently smell unusual odors, have an electrician check your wiring system for potential issues. It is also essential to note that some individuals, such as those with the APOE e4 allele, may not derive benefit from hyperbaric oxygen treatment, highlighting the need for personalized medical attention 1.
From the Research
Health Risks of Smelling Burning Insulation
- The health risks of smelling burning insulation are not directly addressed in the provided studies, but some studies discuss the potential health effects of exposure to insulation materials and chemicals.
- A study on glass wool insulation found that the boron content in the insulation is not a significant health risk, even in occupational settings 2.
- Another study reported a case of multiple chemical sensitivity caused by exposure to ignition coal fumes, which may be relevant to the smell of burning insulation 3.
- A study on cellulose insulation found that the respirable fraction of the insulation material caused minimal to mild inflammatory responses in the lungs of rats, but the study did not address the specific issue of smelling burning insulation 4.
- A review of chemical exposures at home discussed the potential health risks of indoor air pollution, including exposure to chemicals from burning materials, but did not specifically address the health risks of smelling burning insulation 5.
- A study on the removal of fibrous insulation materials from buildings found that unnecessary disturbance of the materials can increase exposure levels to airborne fibers, but did not address the specific issue of smelling burning insulation 6.