Users can install SAFETOUCH™ Fiberglass-Free Insulation without itching, dust masks or gloves

Do-it-yourselfers have long dreaded installing home insulation because of the itchiness and glass dust associated with fiberglass. The Dow Chemical Company today introduces the solution to this problem – SAFETOUCHTM Fiberglass-Free Insulation. Manufactured from the same type of fibers used to make clothing and bedding, and engineered to have a soft, itch-free feel, SAFETOUCH Insulation is non-irritating to bare skin.

“Replacing older insulation or adding insulation to non-insulated areas saves money and energy,” said Jeff Fancher, brand manager for Dow Building Solutions. “With SAFETOUCH, homeowners can now do this project without the itching, dust masks, gloves, goggles and stapling associated with fiberglass insulation.”

Available exclusively at Lowe’s stores in the Cleveland, Columbus and Pittsburgh areas, SAFETOUCH Fiberglass-Free Insulation does not contain formaldehyde binders or borates found in traditional fiberglass and cellulose insulation products. SAFETOUCH™ is a thermo-acoustic batt manufactured from polyester fibers (PET fibers), which are non-irritating and similar to what is used in clothing and bedding. Through careful selection of the fibers and a propriety manufacturing process, Dow has produced an insulation material that home users can install without itch, gloves, masks or other special protection.

SAFETOUCH™ Fiberglass- Free Insulation has the same insulating properties as fiberglass-based products, with batts available in both R-13 and R-19. R-value insulation ratings are used to measure the material’s ability to resist heat flow; the higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

SAFETOUCH provides users the following benefits:
• Comfort: non-irritating to skin, eyes, lungs or throat
• Convenience: no need for masks, gloves, goggles, or protective clothing for installation
• Reassurance: does not contain formaldehyde binders or borates
• Durability: maintains its physical shape and integrity over time
• Flexibility: easily fitted and repositioned
• Friction fit: holds itself in place in most cases, removing the need for staples and staple guns
• Strength: in certain cases, such as overhead applications, can be stapled or nailed
• Ease of use: unfaced batts can be easily torn to length by hand
• Sound control: excellent sound absorption
• Does not support mold growth: not a food source for mold
• Fire Performance: meets International Residential Building Code ASTM E84 and ASTM E970.

SAFETOUCH can be used for insulating exterior stud walls, floors, ceilings and crawlspaces. It also can be installed in interior walls for sound control.

About Dow
Dow is a diversified chemical company that harnesses the power of innovation, science and technology to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. Dow offers a broad range of products and services to customers in more than 175 countries, helping them to provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. Built on a commitment to its principles of sustainability, Dow has annual sales of $49 billion and employs 43,000 people worldwide. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.
For further information, please call 1-866-583-BLUE (2583).

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