Useful tips

Is glass Fibre insulation a hazardous substance?

Is glass Fibre insulation a hazardous substance?

None known. Product is classified as non-hazardous waste.

What are the dangers of glass fibers?

How can fiberglass affect my health?

  • A rash can appear when the fibers become embedded in the outer layer of the skin.
  • Eyes may become red and irritated after exposure to fiberglass.
  • Soreness in the nose and throat can result when fibers are inhaled.
  • Temporary stomach irritation may occur if fibers are swallowed.

What happens if you breathe in fiberglass insulation?

Direct contact with fiberglass or breathing airborne dust containing fiberglass may irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. The symptoms of irritation are often nonspecific, temporary, and may include itching, coughing, or wheezing.

Is exposed insulation a health hazard?

“Exposed fiberglass insulation, once in the air, does cause respiratory reactions, such as dry, scratchy throat and coughing, as well as acting as a skin and eye irritant. This is not healthy. Then the fiberglass acts as a respiratory irritant and can cause respiratory problems, including bronchitis,” he says.

Are there any health hazards from fiberglass insulation?

The fiberglass research literature is replete with studies indicating that there are no health hazards associated with airborne fiberglass particles, and with other studies reaching quite the opposite conclusion.

What happens if you rub your eyes on fiberglass insulation?

Touching or rubbing your eyes will cause skin and eye irritation. If the fiberglass insulation has been installed in a humid basement or room and is exposed, you may notice mold develop on it over the years. Fiberglass itself is mold-resistant, but the resins and other components of it are not.

When do you come in contact with fiberglass insulation?

People can be affected by fiberglass when they come into contact with it either during the manufacturing process or when it is being used in a building. Construction workers who install or remove insulation often come into contact with fiberglass. Homeowners can also come across fiberglass insulation during repairing or clearing out the attic.

Is it safe to breathe in fiberglass particles?

In some cases, loose fiberglass particles could even cause small cuts around or on the eyes themselves. This is why the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (or OSHA) recommends that people wear goggles whenever they’re working with fiberglass. Breathing in fiberglass particles isn’t good for you, either.