Anyone who's ever owned a home or done any kind of an improvement project has likely come across fiberglass in one form or another. Fiberglass can be found in windows, insulation, cookware, appliances, protective gear, and even some older mattresses. In many of these forms, fiberglass is completely safe. In others, there's a higher risk of potential health effects associated with fiberglass.
The key to keeping yourself and your loved ones safe around fiberglass is to make sure you're well-informed. Here, we'll break down everything you should know about fiberglass: what it is, where you'll find it, what forms it comes in, and how you can protect yourself and others from harm.
What Is Fiberglass? Why Use Fiberglass? Benefits and Risks The Dangers of Fiberglass Insulation Health Risks: Can Fiberglass Cause Cancer? Fiberglass in Your Home: Common Sources How to Protect Yourself from Fiberglass Exposure Clean Up ThoroughlyTable of Contents
What Is Fiberglass?
Fiberglass is a material made from extremely fine glass fibers. It's strong and an excellent insulator, which is why it's commonly used in housing insulation, reinforced plastics, and composite materials.
In some forms, these tiny fiberglass fibers can become loose and stick to skin and clothes, causing irritation. However, the benefits that fiberglass offers combined with the fact that it's fairly simple to protect against harmful exposure means that it's still a very popularly used material, despite its risks.
Why Use Fiberglass? Benefits and Risks
Fiberglass is an extremely useful material that offers a wider range of benefits than more natural or typical materials like glass or metal. Here are a few of its main advantages:
-
Excellent Insulation: Fiberglass is a highly effective thermal insulator, which makes it ideal for home insulation. It helps maintain comfortable temperatures while reducing energy costs.
-
Lightweight Strength and Durability: Fiberglass is often used in addition to composite materials to provide extra strength without adding extra weight. Its lightweight strength makes it especially valuable in industries like automotive and aerospace manufacturing.
-
Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to many alternatives, fiberglass is relatively inexpensive, which makes it a more cost-efficient option for manufacturers and builders.
-
Versatility: Fiberglass can be used in a broad and diverse range of materials and projects, from boat hulls to circuit boards, which is why it can be found in so many different places.
-
Corrosion Resistance: Unlike most metals, fiberglass doesn't rust or corrode, so fiberglass products often have much longer lifespans than items built with other materials.
The Dangers of Fiberglass Insulation
While fiberglass offers many valuable advantages, it also comes with some risks. The most commonly cited concern is that, when fiberglass dust becomes airborne or attaches to the skin or other materials, this can cause a range of health issues. Breathing in fiberglass can result in a myriad of issues depending on the type of insulation, and may lead to possible side effects.
Let's take a look at the potential dangers associated with exposure to fiberglass, and how you can protect yourself against each one.
1. Skin Irritation
One of the most common issues caused by fiberglass is skin irritation. When the microscopic glass fibers make skin contact, they can cause:
-
Itching and redness
-
Rashes and hives
-
Cuts and scrapes from larger fibers
-
In severe cases, dermatitis or eczema flare-ups can occur by simply touching fiberglass
Skin reactions can be more or less severe depending on a number of factors, including the individual's sensitivity and how long they were exposed to the material. Many people will only experience mild itching when they come in contact with fiberglass, while others can have more serious health issues.
Long-term health effects: For those that work with fiberglass regularly, repeated exposure can lead to more chronic skin issues and may cause severe breakouts. The tiny fibers can work their way deep into the skin and cause ongoing irritation which, if left untreated, can become infected.
How to avoid it: Always wear protective clothing, especially gloves, when handling fiberglass insulation material and other fiberglass products. If your skin is exposed to fiberglass, wash the affected area right away with cool water and mild soap.
2. Respiratory Issues
When glass fibers become loose, they are often light enough that they become inhalable airborne fiberglass particles. In the same way that these microscopic shards can cut external skin, they can also become embedded in the internal tissue of the lungs and throat. This can cause:
-
Coughing and throat irritation
-
Wheezing and shortness of breath
-
Nose and mouth irritation
-
Exacerbation of existing conditions like asthma
Long-term health effects: Over time, an individual that continually inhales fiberglass particles can experience more serious issues like chronic bronchitis, reduced lung function, and—in cases of prolonged and heavy exposure—even lung tissue scarring.
How to avoid it: When working with fiberglass, always wear a well-fitted commercial-grade face mask to filter out airborne particles. If you work with fiberglass regularly or encounter heavier exposure, you may want to invest in a more comprehensive respirator mask.
3. Eye Irritation
The eyes are another body part that's particularly vulnerable to fiberglass irritation. If airborne glass particles get into the eye, or if particles on the hands or clothes are rubbed on the face, these tiny shards can cause issues like:
-
Redness and itching
-
Watering and excessive tearing
-
In some cases, temporary vision problems or corneal abrasions
This commonly happens when installing or removing fiberglass insulation. It loosens the particles, causing exposure to fiberglass insulation if you do not protect your face and eyes. There have been countless cases where people have been harmed by fiberglass because they weren't taking appropriate protective measures.
Long-term health effects: Most eye irritation caused by fiberglass is temporary and can be easily addressed with a clean water flush. However, repeated exposure could lead to chronic eye problems, increased sensitivity, and even compromised vision. Generally, health risks associated with fiberglass can be avoided if you take proper precautions, and they aren't as severe as, say, asbestos.
How to avoid it: Always wear work goggles when making contact with fiberglass, and be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching anywhere on the face if you came in contact with fiberglass insulation. If fiberglass does irritate your eyes, flush it thoroughly with clean water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation persists, seek medical attention right away.
Health Risks: Can Fiberglass Cause Cancer?
If you talk to anyone who's Gen X or older about fiberglass, it's not unusual to hear that glass fibers can cause lung cancer, especially when inhaled. Thankfully, modern research has shown that this is largely untrue. So why do people believe it?
In 1987, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified fiberglass as "possibly carcinogenic to humans." For the next decade or so, it was widely accepted that fiberglass particles could cause cancer. Then, in 2001, more modern research led scientists to reclassify fiberglass as "not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans." Today, current evidence does not support a link between fiberglass exposure and cancer in humans.
However, fiberglass can cause various health problems, and can even aggravate pre-existing health concerns and conditions.
The Asbestos Connection
Another potentially confusing factor that has led people to believe that fiberglass causes cancer in people is its connection to asbestos, which is an inhalable particulate material that causes mesothelioma and other cancers. Fiberglass was originally developed as a safer alternative to asbestos. Combined with the fact that fiberglass, like asbestos, is also dangerous if inhaled, it's easy to confuse the two materials' respective health hazards.
Mesothelioma in the lung. (Image courtesy of Yale Rosen at Wikimedia Commons.)
Not Carcinogenic ≄ Safe
Fiberglass may not cause cancer, but that doesn't mean it's safe for human consumption or exposure. It's critical for all homeowners, contractors, builders, and professionals to use adequate protection to prevent the possible health effects that fiberglass can cause.
Fiberglass in Your Home: Common Sources
Fiberglass is more prevalent in the average person's daily life than many might realize. Here are a few of the most common places you'll find fiberglass in the average home:
1. Home Insulation
Insulation is perhaps one of the most well-known and commonly used sources of fiberglass in the average home. Fiberglass cellulose insulation can be found in attics and walls, around water heaters and HVAC ducts, and in crawl spaces, among other places.
While properly installed fiberglass insulation shouldn't pose too much of a risk, damaged or exposed insulation can release fibers into the air. Be especially careful during home renovations or repairs that might cause insulation to become disturbed.
2. HVAC Systems
Since fiberglass is such an effective insulator, it's often used to control temperatures in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems. Fiberglass is used as insulation around air ducts and in air filters. It's also effective at dampening sound, so it can be used to absorb the sounds of a loud generator or air conditioner.
To avoid undue exposure, change any air filters regularly. Have a professional install your HVAC system, and schedule regular maintenance appointments.
3. Mattresses
In today's day and age, mattress technology has advanced to such an extent that most newer mattresses no longer contain fiberglass material. However, fiberglass is still used in some mattresses, usually the cheaper varieties. These mattresses lined with fiberglass aren't the safest to sleep on, but they're harmful only if the outer layer tears. In most cases, you'll only run the risk of exposure if your mattress is damaged or the outer mattress cover is removed.
Check your mattress label to determine whether or not it contains fiberglass. If so, invest in a high-quality mattress cover and avoid removing it, especially if you have an older mattress. You'd be surprised at just how many people have fiberglass in their homes.
4. Curtains and Drapes
Some curtains and drapes, especially those marketed as "blackout" or insulating curtains, may contain fiberglass. While the fibers are typically sealed within the fabric, they can be released over time or if the material is damaged.
To minimize your risk of exposure, check the labels on any curtains before you purchase them. Handle your drapes with care when washing or cleaning them, and consider non-fiberglass alternatives for light-blocking and insulation.
5. Car Parts
Fiberglass is an extremely common material used in vehicle manufacturing. It can often be found on the body panels of some cars, in insulation under the hood, and in some cars' air filters. In most cases, car owners are unlikely to ever experience risky levels of exposure to the fiberglass in their cars. However, those that undertake DIY car repairs or maintenance are more likely to accidentally disturb fiberglass materials in the vehicle.
Be sure to wear the correct protective gear when working on your vehicle. Hire a professional to tackle any tricker or more advanced repairs.
MIRA Safety CM-I01 Full-Face Respirator
How to Protect Yourself from Fiberglass Exposure
Wear Proper PPE
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is your first line of defense against fiberglass exposure and protects against environmental health issues. When working with fiberglass insulation or other fiberglass-containing materials, always wear:
-
Long sleeves and pants: Choose tightly woven fabrics that can't be penetrated by tiny fibers.
-
Gloves: Avoid cloth gloves, and opt instead for more impenetrable nitrile, rubber, or butyl.
-
Safety goggles: Make sure goggles fit snugly and prevent fibers from getting into the eyes.
-
Respirator or dust mask: An N95 mask is NOT enough and is not recommended for used when working with fiberglass—for better protection, upgrade to a non-disposable respirator mask.
The goal is to create an impenetrable barrier between the fiberglass and your skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
Proper Ventilation
Working with fiberglass in an enclosed space can raise the density of the fibers in the air, and in turn increase the likelihood of exposure. In order to decrease exposure risk, open windows and doors to create cross-ventilation in the space. Use fans to direct air away from the work area, and for larger or professional jobs, consider using a negative air machine to filter the space.
Clean Up Thoroughly
It's not just workers who are at risk—inadequate cleaning after the fact can leave residents and other bystanders in danger of fiberglass exposure. In order to make sure your space is clean and safe, follow these steps:
-
Vacuum the area with a HEPA filter vacuum. Don't use a regular vacuum, which can actually worsen exposure by spreading fibers in the air.
-
Dispose of vacuum bags properly. Seal the vacuum bag itself in a plastic bag before throwing it away.
-
Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth. By wetting the cloth, you can ensure fibers stick instead of being swept off of the surface and into the air.
-
Shower and change immediately after you're finished working. Shower with cool water to avoid opening your pores and increasing the likelihood of embedded fibers.
-
Wash work clothes separately. Use the hottest available water temperature, and run an empty cycle after you've finished to clean the machine before washing normal clothes.
So, is fiberglass dangerous? While it's not as hazardous as some materials, it does pose potential health risks, particularly with long-term exposure to fiberglass. However, with proper precautions, these risks can be significantly minimized.
Fiberglass remains a valuable material in many applications due to its unique properties. The key is to understand the risks, take appropriate protective measures, and make informed decisions about its use in your home and environment.
Remember, your health and safety are paramount. Whether you're preparing for emergencies, maintaining your home, or working in an industry that uses fiberglass, always prioritize proper protection. Stay informed, stay prepared, and most importantly, stay safe!