Is soundproof cotton harmful to humans?
2 Answers
Using non-toxic and harmless soundproof cotton sold through formal channels will not cause harm to the body; however, if irregular soundproof cotton is purchased and used, it may release harmful gases during actual use, thereby affecting the health of vehicle occupants. Soundproof cotton has excellent thermal insulation effects. When pasted inside the car hood, it can effectively prevent the high temperature of the engine from directly transferring to the hood, thus protecting the surface paint of the hood and avoiding foggy vision caused by steam on rainy days. Soundproof cotton is made of porous fiber materials, such as polyester fiber cotton, centrifugal glass wool, rock wool, mineral wool, plant fiber spray, etc. The soundproofing mechanism of soundproof cotton is due to the large number of tiny interconnected pores inside the material. Sound waves can penetrate deep into the material through these pores, converting sound energy into heat energy through friction with the material.
Soundproofing cotton itself is not necessarily harmful; the key lies in the materials and quality. I've encountered many cases in auto repair shops where low-quality soundproofing cotton does pose risks. Some cheap products use recycled cotton mixed with chemical adhesives, which release irritating gases like formaldehyde when the car interior heats up in summer, causing headaches and sore throats after just half an hour of driving. There are also asphalt-based soundproofing materials that soften and emit foul odors when heated, potentially leading to respiratory issues with long-term exposure. However, environmentally friendly soundproofing cotton from reputable brands, such as butyl rubber materials, typically has no odor and does not release harmful substances. When choosing soundproofing cotton, it's advisable not to opt for the cheapest options. Always check for odors and look for eco-certification labels, especially when installing new car interiors, and ensure proper ventilation.
