Insulation installation while pregnant?

robbie3982

I've tried to google, but I'm having a hard time finding anything.  Has anyone had this done before?  Can anyone point me to some info?  The only reason I could think of it possibly not being ok is because there could be dust from the insulation and then I'd be breathing it in since it's way too cold to have the windows open right now.

ETA:  Just wanted to clarify, we won't be personally installing it.  I'm wondering if there would be some type of dust after the fact that would be unsafe since we won't be able to air the house out.  It will be blown-in cellulose, not fiberglass and it will be installed through holes drilled in the walls inside our house since apparently no one insulated walls when our house was built in '61.

ksayles

I would give your OB a call. Even if they say its okay I would still wear a mask just to be on the safe side. 

houndbaby

If it's fiberglass insulation, your supposed to wear a mask when you install it.?

robbie3982

Just to clarify, we'd be having someone do this for us. I'm just wondering if there would be insulation dust after the fact.

I plan to ask my OB at my next appointment on Monday since they're not open on Fridays.  I like to do my own research too though and I'm just not finding anything.

hero

It's definitely a no. I was going to wrap our pipes for the winter but there was nothing safe for me to use. You have to wear clothing that you will probably have to throw out, gloves, and a proper mask. You don't want to inhale the fiber glass that is in dust.

flutiefrostie

We installed insulation last week. I shut myself in a room without attic access and there wasn't any problem with the dust. (they don't use toxic chemicals in it anymore, so the danger's to your lungs from breathing in dust. There shouldn't be any danger to the baby). Just beware that you will most likely need a door open if you're using a blower. My house got really really cold while DH and his brother did the installation. If you don't have to be there, I'd recommend going someplace with a friend because it's pretty loud and most likely cold.

Also, be prepared to vacuum and dust for the next several weeks! I feel like I've been cleaning forever and there's still a lot around.

robbie3982

flutiefrostie:

We installed insulation last week. I shut myself in a room without attic access and there wasn't any problem with the dust. (they don't use toxic chemicals in it anymore, so the danger's to your lungs from breathing in dust. There shouldn't be any danger to the baby). Just beware that you will most likely need a door open if you're using a blower. My house got really really cold while DH and his brother did the installation. If you don't have to be there, I'd recommend going someplace with a friend because it's pretty loud and most likely cold.

Also, be prepared to vacuum and dust for the next several weeks! I feel like I've been cleaning forever and there's still a lot around.

Flutie, did you do your attic or your walls?  If you did walls, was the dust from the insulation itself or from drilling the holes?

flutiefrostie

We did attic- blown in green fiber insulation, so no fiberglass. If you do blown in insulation for your walls, I'd imagine you'd have plenty of dust from both.

Clee999046

I work for a family construction company that does insulation all of the time! Your safe if you're not going to be around it all while its being installed, of course also since its not fiberglass and technically the ppl putting it in should clean up any dust that comes along with it! If you are worried about vents and getting in the air you can always pay to have those cleaned out too!

But otherwise you should be fine! Enjoy the new warm house

bparkhur

My husband just reinsulated our attic two weeks ago (the roll-out kind). I'm still alive and baby seemed fine at the ultrasound. As long as you aren't inhaling the insulation or installing it yourself, my guess is that you would be fine.