FAQs on the detection & analysis of airborne fiberglass.

This article series discusses how airborne particle size effects on air quality testing and provides information about the role of particle size and lab procedures in the detection of small particles of fiberglass fragments and indoor air quality fiberglass contamination issues in residential and light-commercial buildings.

Sources & Detection of Sub-Micron Sized Fiberglass Fragments in Building Air

These questions & answers about detection of small vs. large fiberglass or fiberglass insulation fragments & particles were posted originally

at FIBERGLASS DETECTION in BUILDING AIR & DUST - be sure to review the information and research given there.

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Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

On 2019-01-22 by (mod) -

The dose makes the poison. In other words just naming the material such as fiberglass isn't necessarily sufficient to call it a contaminant.

On 2019-01-21 by Alexi

Is fiberglass leagakly cibsidered a contaminant?

On 2018-09-15 by (mod) -

Anonymous:

Regarding your concern for the hazards from the oven door gasket in your photo:

1. if the appliance was made in the U.S. after the mid 1980's there is virtually no chance that the gasket contains asbestgos

2. if the appliance were older and its gasket contained asbestos it would still not produce a detectable hazard in a building unless the gasket were being damaged, ground, sawn, chopped, etc. and its dust the spread about; its a too-small reservoir and from the photo too good condition to be a significant indoor source of asbestos (it does NOT look like an asbestos gasket), and ditto for fiberglass particles.

To get your concerns for the *possible* hazards of dust in your home, I suggest collecting representative dust samples for analysis by a decent lab, to identify the dominant particles and the incidence of obvious fiberglass (at high levels, if that's the case).

Before you have objective data you're at risk of being gouged unnecessarily or run in circles by consultants who are so afraid of the liabilities in a case that one can't control that they give advice that is safe for them at your expense.



On that page you will find live links to these focused-area directories:

ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTORS & TESTING SERVICES

HOME INSPECTORS-U.S
HOME INSPECTORS-CANADA

HOME INSPECTORS UK & OTHER COUNTRIES

Each of those is a live link.

Collecting indoor particle samples of dust or mold

At DUST SAMPLING PROCEDURE inspectapedia.com/sickhouse/Dust_Sampling_Guide.php is an easy inexpensive means of collecting settled dust that you could have examined (by a suitable lab) to identify its dominant particles. That can help decide if there is an unusual level of fiberglass, insect fragments, mold, or other irritating particles in indoor air by using a non-quantitative approach that is in most regards far more reliable than a brief air-sample.

Environmental Test Lab referrals
​​
For environmental or forensic investigative support and lab work, you can use any forensic lab provided you first check that their area of expertise matches your needs.

For strange particle analysis, building dust analysis, fiberglass particle screening, mold contaminant screening contact these expert forensic microscopists

Daniel Baxter (dbaxter@san.rr.com) or


Larry Wayne (lew@forensica.com)

For mold or general environmental dust samples also contact our backup

Susan Flappan
11020 W. 122nd St.
Overland Park KS 66213
913 322 2237. toll free number of 866 225 MOLD
http://moldetect.com/
sflappan@moldetect.com

EMS lab is a very large and competent network of labs offering a wide range of services
www.emlab.com

Discuss your concerns with the lab you choose before sending them a sample.

On 2017-11-07 by (mod) -

JK

I am more than a little surprised that air currents through a 4-inch hole could possibly contaminate an entire home with fiberglass, and more that such a cut could explain microscopic fiberglass fragments comprising that contamination. It just doesn't make sense to me.

First: a 4" hole in a roof would normally vent out not in to a building; it is indeed possible for air to blow into a roof cavity depending on roof shape, slope, orientation, and wind direction. But even that pressurization would not easily distribute attic fiberglass throughout the home below. Normal air currents in a home are upwards and out, most of the time, as convection currents cause warm air from heated space to rise.

Second: to produce enough microscopic fiberglass (that is very small particles in the 1u range as opposed to normal, large-fibers that are much less likely to be a respiratory hazard) would require mechanical damage of a much larger area of insulation than that afforded by a 4" hole in a roof, even if that cut disturbed the insulation (which would not be the case if insulation were in an attic floor below).

My best advice is to get help from an on-site environmental expert who can survey the home, identify the most likely indoor air quality or other hazards, and thus set a priority of addressing those. You should not hire someone to focus first on a fiberglass hazard before we are sure, by objective data, that the fiberglass is in fact the problem.

On 2017-11-07 by J ,K, Bower

I have a serious environmental contamination of microscopic fiberglass insulation throughout my entire furnished home. A solar panel installation company cut a four inch hole in a sealed inaccessible attic area to see if it would support the panels, the roof passed the inspection. The inspector failed to seal the four inch hole.

He had used a non fitting , non sealing plastic spring loaded, commonly sold at supply stores. As a result any time there are high winds or my house is in a negative pressure state the microscopic fibers are streaming throughout my home. I did not associate my severe discomfort to the months old inspection or the hole cut in my ceiling.

I need a general contractor to orchestrate the removal of all fibers, doing it in a manner so that all the problem insulation is removed. PS I was in the process of sellinng my house but cannot leave it in such a manner for fear of a lawsuit for non-disclosure. Please advise, e-mail jkbower1@verizon.net or call 443-618-9744. My name is J Kirk Bower

On 2017-10-29 by (mod) -

NO Vern.

Do not stuff fiberglass insulation into a return air inlet or duct.

Stuffing fiberglass into a return duct

1. risks drawing insulation into the blower fan where it can cause overheating and even a building fire! This is UNSAFE and risks FIRE.

2. blocks return air, preventing the heating system from delivering heat where it should

3. risks blowing fibrerglass fragments onto building occupants - creating an indoor air quality problem

On 2017-10-29 by Vern

Is it safe to stuff return/fresh air duct with fiberglass (stuffed inside)?

On 2018-07-11 by (mod)

Carol

With sympathy for the health problems you've suffered, and noting that your photo is blurry, those white spots don't look like fiberglass. Start by taking the question of your complaint to your doctor and ask her advice. I would not be hiring someone to screen for a specific particle (like fiberglass) without first having a solid reason to do so. Else you may be spending time and money in directions that aren't helpful.

Also search InspectApedia.com for MORGELLONS DISEASE as that may be helpful

On 2018-07-11 by Carol

Tanya,
I have the exact same problem as you. I have had these lesions for almost 4 years from living in my parents house to take care of my dad.

The first floor was washed out by 5 feet of water from storm Sandy in the contractor took a vantage of them, never removing the fiberglass insulation or checking the attic or cleaning the ducts. I’ve been to the emergency room at least eight times and have been put into the psychiatric ward because no one would believe me either, not even my family.

I believe this is what killed my mom and my dad recently died and I’m left to live in this house alone with their cat who is also affected by this I have not been able to find anyone who knows how to check the house for fiberglass except with air tests which according to this article, don’t work with fiberglass

. I also have mold contamination which is so high and I’m sure that’s making me sick also. But I see The fiberglass shards in my skin and can feel them when they come out because they are so painful. I hope you are still reading this website so you see my answer to you.

You are the first person I have found that has the same problems I do and don’t know where to go anymore. I can barely get up in the morning, and have to order food out because everything gets contaminated in the house. The police are no help either and my brother keeps having me send to the psychiatric ward over this because he wanted to get power of attorney over my dad and used my condition to try to do that. I have nowhere else to go and no one that Understands how sick I am and how painful it is.

From what I read only 1% of the population has this problem which is why you are having such a hard time getting help. I am putting this out for all to read and hope it will get to you. Please write back to me at Carol .glassman@icloud.com.

IMAGE LOST by older version of Comments code - now fixed. Please re-post the image if you can. Sorry. Mod.

On 2017-02-09 by Anonymous

when I wrote FB. I mean FG...

On 2017-02-08 by Anonymous

thanks again for taking the time to respond. Looks like a good microscope cost some money...
what would be you the min expected macron size of disturbed FB insulation lay down in the 80s.? assuming the source is contained, do you consider good HEPA purifier as an efficient way to remove smallest airborne FB ?

On 2017-02-08 by (mod)

No, not quite, Anon. at just 50x you may have trouble seeing clearly-enough the characteristic concoidal fracture at the end of fiberglass insulation fibers. With some practice you might see well-enough at 300x, though I prefer 600x or with my Russian POLAM microscope I'm looking at 720x.

It also helps to use a mountant with a refractive index sufficiently-different from glass (fibres). Using water, for example, will make the fibers very difficult if not impossible to see because the RI of glass and water are rather close. I might use triacetin, or I might use an immersion oil with a microscope lens rated for use with oil contact.

More details can be found by searching inspectApedia for MICROSCOPE LAB PROCEDURES

On 2017-02-08 by Anonymous

Hi Dan,
Many thanks for your response. I live in Ireland and forensic lab/ environmental inspector is not something I can find easily here. In URL "https://inspectapedia.com/sickhouse/Dust_Sample_Analysis_Lab.php" 2 FB sampling magnified at 20x & 720x. I read somewhere there is no real need for an powerful microscope to test fiber sample
Do you reckon a cheap microscope with 8X/25X/50X objective lenses is sufficient ? Thanks

On 2017-01-30 by (mod) -

Eric,

Before deciding on any environmental test indoors I'd want to be sure we understand what question is to be answered and what risks are of concern. For example, measuring what is "in the air" at a given time may not at all represent overall building conditions, while on the other hand examining settled dust from representative surfaces (that I like to do) is more difficult to assess quantitatively, while on the third hand, given the many factors that cause such large variations in what's in the air indoors at various times, quantitative analysis is highly suspect anyway.

You can collect dust and send it to a forensic lab (typically using clear adhesive tape - search InspectApedia for DUST SAMPLING PROCEDURE) or you can hire an environmental inspector professional - search InspectApedia for WHEN TO HIRE AN EXPERT and read that article first.

On 2017-01-30 by Eric

Does anyone can advice how to test for airborne fiberglass by yourself please ? Is there any DIY test kit available ?
Thanks in advance

On 2017-01-25 by Tonya copeland

I think I have fiberglass coming through my HVAC system have particals all over my body been to emergency 3 times finally got to dermatologist but dont think anyone be lives me who can I contact to get my apt tested

On 2016-08-06 by (mod) -

Alicia,

It would be unusual for there to be an indoor air quality involving fiberglass or mineral wool particles in a building that has been thoroughly cleaned inside using damp wiping and HEPA vacuuming unless there is a persistent and unusual source.

Until that source has been identified and its effects on the building concerned I'd be cautious about accepting advice on further cleaning.


I would

Examine the remediation bid with great care to see just what is being proposed. The bid must identify the problem source and then explain the necessary steps in correcting that problem.

Discuss the health concerns with your doctor before doing anything. Include a discussion of Morgellon's Syndrome - see https://inspectapedia.com/sickhouse/Morgellons_Syndrome.php

Do not do anything costly before you and your doctor agree that there is an environmental cause that the sort of cleaning you describe would address.

On 2016-08-05 by Alicia

I have fiberglass and mineral wool contamination in my home, which has been documented through expert air testing, I have purchased the HSEPA vac, Hepa filters, cleaned, washed everything, yet it still remains and I am experiencing lesions on my body, in my eyes, nose, ears, digestive tract, miserable.

Remediation has been estimated, in excess of $17,000.00; I do not have the means to pay for this, what else can I do, people look at me as if I am iimaging these symptooms, it has been 1 yr exacly since this began, I have tried everything, any suggestions would be appreciated.

On 2015-03-19 by (mod) -

Use the "Click to Show or Hide FAQs" link just above to see recently-posted questions, comments, replies

Question:

I am preparing to install a HVAC system in my home which has no duct work. One of the contractors wants to use fiberglass duct system. I had already been told by a local energy check business that this would not be wise. Your article has confirmed that advice. Thank you. - Fiona

Reply:

Fiberglass ductwork could be fine for HVAC application provided that it is foil-covered on all sides. What is impossible to clean is ductwork that leaves fiberglass exposed on the duct interior.

Question: where are details about testing & lab procedures for finding fiberglass in building air & dust?

Your headline suggested ways to detect fiberglass particles but the article never touches on it. I'd like to know how to test for it. - Bubba

Reply: also see Lab Identification of Fiberglas

Bubba, your note was helpful and we've clarified the text in several related fiberglass and dust articles. The article above focuses on the role of particle size in the detection of fiberglass in air and dust samples as well as in hazard research.

See FIBERGLASS FRAGMENT HAZARDS in AIR or DUST for basic hazard information, and

see LAB IDENTIFICATION OF FIBERGLASS for forensic lab procedural notes about fiberglass particles.

Question: We see fiberglass in our HVAC ducts and we get itchy

we live in a mobile (manufactured home) 1991 it was built. and we have fiberglass ductwork. You can see the fiberglass when you look into the floor vents. At times we get very itchy and so do our guests. When you look there is nothing you can see on our skin. Could our fiberglass be breaking down? Also, many of out guests expericence allergy symptoms when they come over. Any Ideas?? - Laura Dunne 5/1/2012

Reply:

Laura, I haven't found significant fiberglass fiber release from fiberglass ductwork in buildings except in cases where some fool tried to clean the fiberglass-lined ducts mechanically. Mechanical cleaning or even aggressive brushing and vacuuming can damage the bonded surface of the ducts.

There could be of course many sources of allergy symptoms in a building: mold in the building or its HVAC system, animal dander even from prior animals or pets no longer present, insect fragments, even the introduction of unfiltered outdoor air during a period of pollen release.

A thorough visual inspection of the home including its HVAC system may be useful in the case you describe. Do not rely on testing alone as false results are just too likely.

For completeness, also see MORGELLONS SYNDROME.

Reader Comment: consider HVAC duct coatings to seal exposed fiberglass

My question to you is whether you have looked at coatings, such as http://www.fiberlock.com/mold/hvac.html to seal the fibers in place? Of course, as duct cleaner, we always recommend replacing fiberglass liner with a closed cell product like http://www.armacell.com/WWW/armacell/INETArmacell.nsf/ tandard/D489E388CFD3159EC12576D20065B99E? OpenDocument&Nav= 4111A0A8CA88966C8025774C005B9CCE.

However, when replacement is impossible or impractical, applying sealants/coatings to fiberglass duct board and duct liner is a valid alternative (especially in double-walled perforated duct). I don’t believe there are any cleaning methods that can always prevent damage or further deterioration to even new liner. Regardless, wouldn’t you agree that coating/sealing is better than nothing? Actually, I think the use of fiberglass in HVAC systems should be stopped. Thanks for your great website, by the way.

Laura Gallagher CVI, ASCS,
VSMR Dusty Ducts, Inc.
1076 Corporate Park Drive Forest,
VA 24551
Office (800) 879-3878 Cell (434) 444-2640 

Reply:

Thanks for the discussion Ms Gallagher. We particularly appreciate comments or critique from readers who have expertise in the topic being discussed.

Indeed, I have considered duct coating coating products, have seen some applications of coatings as a "remedy" for damaged HVAC duct interiors and for interior surfaces that are soft, cannot be cleaned, and are contaminated with mold, allergens, even pathogens.

In general I agree with your position that for some cases a coating shoudl be considered, although it's a not completely reliable band-aid approach to a duct problem, a coating may be cost effective or may be suitable as a temporary measure pending a more costly duct replacement.

Concerns that occur to me about duct coatingsd are bases on (limited) field experience and include these:

• later the duct coating falls off of the soft, unstable fiberglass surface to which it was applied, and no one knows that the fall-off has occurred; new IAQ hazards recur, worse, are ignored or not properly addressed because occupants think the duct problem was "fixed"
• Some applications of spray-in duct sealants I've inspected were very uneven, and incomplete; if the ducts can't be inspected, coatings can be a hit-or-miss proposition that may help but is incomplete
• Applications of coatings on in-slab ducts leave hazards of recurrent flooding, vermin, bacteria, pathogens, etc.

Question: airduct cleaning company to clean my HVAC air ducts caused damage - how to seal

(Sept 13, 2014) Lari said:
I have hired an airduct cleaning company to clean my HVAC air ducts. The company cleaned the ducts, but neglected to reseal them. I now have fine particles of fiberglass in the air of my home and on every surface. I have hired a company to reseal and then clean everything. Will this be a good enough fix?

(Oct 7, 2014) dolores vance said:
air duct company cleaned air ducts with brushes and created fiber glass blowing all through my condo. condo was heppa vacuumed but we are still feeling dust in air. poor air quality. we don't know what more to do. need advice

Reply:

Lari:

Indeed using mechanical duct cleaning methods inside fiberglass lined ducts can damage them. Applying a sealant should help and is about the best you can do other than replacing the damaged sections. Without inspecting your system I can't know if tat will be good enough for you or not. If the seal job cost is less than 40% (opinion) of we duct cost, I'd give it a try.

Dolores,

A visual inspection by an expert (see EXPERTS DIRECTORY at page top) can determine how damaged the ducts are, where, to what extent, and how much of the system needs replacement.

Other options in which I have less confidence include spray-application of a surface sealant in side the duct system.

Question: cleaning fiberglass-contaminated clothes, bedding, couches

(Dec 12, 2014) Angela said:
How do you recommend cleaning clothes and household items (bed, couches etc) that have been exposed to fiberglass particles?

Reply:

Laundering, dry cleaning, sometimes 2x if contamination was heavy such as work clothes worn during an insulation job;

HEPA vacuuming furniture and interior areas.

Question: fiberglass hazard from fiberglass duct-board?

December 2014 Deborah asked

[paraphrasing] is there a fiberglass release hazard from fiberglass duct board?

Reply:

Deborah,

Fiberglass duct insulation in normal (and good) condition is coated and fibers bonded or adhered so that you should not see any significant fiberglass release into building air. But if the duct insulation was damaged by mechanical cleaning that might indeed be a concern and may require action.

...

Continue reading at FIBERGLASS HAZARDS - topic home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• FIBERGLASS HAZARDS - home
  • AIR FILTERS, FIBERGLASS PARTICLES
  • DUST ANALYSIS for FIBERGLASS
  • FIBERGLASS DETECTION in BUILDING AIR & DUST
  • FIBERGLASS ENVIRO-SCARE
  • FIBERGLASS FRAGMENT HAZARDS in AIR or DUST
  • FIBERGLASS HAZARD RESEARCH
  • FIBERGLASS INSULATION EXPOSURE LIMITS
  • FIBERGLASS PARTICLE CONTAMINATION TEST
  • FIBERGLASS REINFORCED PLASTICS
  • FIBERGLASS SHEDDING from MATTRESSES
  • FORMALDEHYDE in FIBERGLASS INSULATION
• FIBERGLASS HVAC DUCTS
• LAB IDENTIFICATION OF FIBERGLASS for forensic lab procedural notes about fiberglass particles.
• MORGELLONS SYNDROME

Suggested citation for this web page

FIBERGLASS DETECTION in BUILDING AIR & DUST FAQs at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

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INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to FIBERGLASS HAZARDS

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