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Small fiberglass fragment in airDetection & Hazards of Large vs Ultra-small Airborne Fiberglass

& Fiberglass Dust Fragments in buildings

  • POST a QUESTION or COMMENT about forensic laboratory procedures for the detection of airborne fiberglass and similar particles in air & dust samples

Detection of airborne fiberglass:

How airborne particle size effects on air quality testing: This document 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.

This article describes risks of inaccuracies in airborne fiberglass and similar particle studies if the forensic analyst fails to use procedures that can detect very small particles & fragments.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

- Daniel Friedman, Publisher/Editor/Author - See WHO ARE WE?

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

Certainteed blown in fiberglass (C) Daniel FriedmanExperienced forensic microscopists will almost certainly agree that it is very common to find fiberglass insulation fragments in indoor dust and air samples. Most often analysts recognize and identify large fiber particles - lengths considerably longer than other indoor dust analytes such as mold or pollen.

Here we will discuss: Large Non-Respirable Fiberglass Insulation Particles. Special problems with very small fiberglass fragment particles down to sub-micron size.

Basic Dust Cleanup Advice for Indoor Fiberglass Fragments or other Small Particles. Prudent Avoidance Advice About Fiberglass Insulation Dust.

Photo: large fiberglass insulation fragments under the microscope.

[Click to enlarge any image]

Article Contents

Larger Non-Respirable Fiberglass Insulation Particles - 3.5u & larger

These comparatively large fiberglass particles are typically low enough in frequency and large enough in size that experts will agree that they are unlikely to pose a health risk to building occupants.

Indeed, manufacturer MSDS sheets indicate that "There are no known health effects from the long term use or contact with non respirable continuous filament fibers.

As manufactured, PPG glass fibers are non respirable.

Non respirable fibers cannot reach the deep lung because they have a diameter of greater than 3.5 micrometers."[2]

Small, Respirable Fiberglass Insulation Particles - 1u - 2.5u range & possibly smaller

But what about the level of ultra-small [and respirable] fiberglass fragments that might be present in some buildings where insulation has been tramped-on, stomped about, or otherwise damaged and abused?

Kilburn (1992) found

Commercial rotary spun fibreglass used for insulating appliances appears to produce human disease that is similar to asbestosis.

Kilburn's findings were critiqued by Rossiter (1993) and currently many sources assert that while there may be health hazards from some fiberglass particle exposure, it's not classed as a carcinogen.

In 2018, the level of exposure in normal buildings and the hazards of such exposure to "small" fiberglass particles remain a topic of disagreement even when other studies have supported the assertion that there can be serious health hazards beyond dermatitis.

It would appear that "if you don't look for a particle, you won't find it and you won't report the particle" is a common problem with certain particles that may be present but not tested for.

That's particularly true if the mountant fluid used by the microscopist has a refractive index similar to glass (as in fiberglass) - the particles are there but they simply disappear from view under the microscope, regardless of magnification. (Fiberglass, even when you can see it in the microscope, also disappears under polarized light).

In our experience, small fiberglass fragments in the 1u range may be present in a dust sample but will not be found unless the microscopist uses specific mounting media and scanning methods to detect these materials.

If a lab only notices and reports on large fiberglass fragments, unless the lab also specifically looked for very small fiberglass particles, the conclusion that no such particles were present is unreliable.

See DUST ANALYSIS for FIBERGLASS for a description of lab analysis of fiberglass in dust.

About these small fiberglass fragments, one manufacturer explains:

Chopped, crushed or severely mechanically processed fiber glass installed in a building and that has not been otherwise damaged may contain a very small amount of respirable fibers that could reach the deep lung.

The measured airborne concentration of these respirable fibers in areas where severe processing of fiberglass occurred has been shown to be extremely low and well below the TLV.

Repeated or prolonged exposure to respirable glass fibres may cause fibrosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. PPG fiber glass in the form supplied, [italics ours] does not contain respirable fibers.[2]

Possible Hazards of Intact vs. Damaged Fiberglass Insulation Particles

Small fiberglass fragment in airWe agree with the assumption that, in proper and normal installations, intact fiberglass insulation sheds very little into the indoor environment, that the particles are large enough not to be inhaled deep into the lungs, and that at normal levels fiberglass is not likely to be hazardous to occupants.

The concern for the carcinogenicity of fiberglass is not new, and was cited by Stanton's rat study back in 1977.

A decade later McCurdy (1988) concluded:

If the potential of these fibers to cause lung cancer is dose-related, as is the case for asbestos, then it is likely that less risk accrues to today's workers and that the danger to homeowners with attic insulation of synthetic mineral fiber is negligible.

Interestingly, that work cited long fibers as more hazardous than short ones (for some vitreous fiber types) based on the observation that the body is able to break down small vitreous fiber particles.

Researchers generally agree that the most common hazard to workers or others exposed to significant fiberglass dust is a form of dermatitis.

The microscope photo shown above, taken at relatively low magnification, perhaps 120x, shows indoor dust fragments including skin cells (pink) and also some long fiberglass fragments.

[Click to enlarge any image]

These particular fiberglass fragments are large enough to see easily.

DJF Opinion: Frequent presence of high levels of fiberglass fragments in air and some dust samples, might suggest insulation inside an HVAC duct system has been damaged or that exposed and mechanically damaged fiberglass insulation in the building may be contributing unwanted and potentially harmful levels of these fibers.

Small Fiberglass Particles May Not Have Been Detected Nor Adequately Studied

It is possible that the presence of and level of very small fiberglass particles has not been adequately studied, perhaps because those particles do not normally occur in intact fiberglass materials and perhaps because, as I've argued, they go undetected even when damaged fiberglass is present and being distributed in indoor air.

But having inspected several thousand buildings, we have certainly encountered conditions in which insulation has been installed or damaged in a manner risking an increased level of these small fragments.

Opinion: I frequently found fiberglass fragments in indoor air samples, particularly where fiberglass HVAC duct material are in a building and where fiberglass insulation has been left exposed in a living or occupied area (such as in the ceiling above an unfinished basement being used as an office or family play area).

It is perfectly normal to find some fiberglass in most indoor air and dust samples.

But sometimes we find a notable increase in the volume or number of fiberglass fragments in air and dust samples, and we may, if we look with care, find a high frequency of ultra-small micron-level fiberglass fragments - almost always in an environment where fiberglass insulation or duct liner has been mechanically damaged.

How does this happen? If someone has attempted to mechanically "clean" HVAC duct work which was lined with fiberglass insulation, it is likely that I'll find a higher presence of fiberglass fragments in indoor air and in settled dust.

The skin, eye, and respiratory irritant effects of exposure to fiberglass dust and particles has been widely acknowledged and appears, for example, in the MSDS for various fiberglass products. [1][2][3][4][5]

But in our opinion, a concern regarding abnormally-high ultra-small fiberglass fragments are present.

"Abnormally high" would benefit from a quantitative definition but given the current fiberglass exposure standards focus on large particles, we don't have a definition nor an exposure level for small fiberglass fragments.

Causes of Ultra-Small Fiberglass Particles: mechanical damage to insulation

What may be the sources of these fiberglass fragments? Here are some examples:

  • Improperly cleaned fiberglass-lined HVAC ducts 

    in which mechanical means was used to "scrub" the duct interior - see FIBERGLASS HVAC DUCTS for details.

    Mechanical thrashing of cleaning equipment inside of fiberglass lined air ducts risks damaging that insulation.

    In addition, routing HVAC air over or through conventional building insulation may also both contaminate that insulation with organic dust (supporting mold growth) and may pick up and transport small fragments of the material - more so if the insulation is damaged.
  • Foot traffic on old building insulation in an attic -

    repeated walking on fiberglass insulation, loose fill or in batts, that has been placed atop of an attic floor or simply over joists (or the bottom chord of roof trusses) that support the ceiling below, can grind and damage fiberglass insulation.
  • Improper dust control 

    during the blow-in process for a chopped fiberglass insulation retrofit might also be a source of small particles but we have not supporting data for that hypothesis.

Heath Risks from Small Fiberglass Fragments? Maybe.

Watch out: While the fiberglass industry does not necessarily agree these particles in homes constitute a hazard, independent studies and warnings at US government health-related websites suggest that there may be carcinogenic or respiratory health hazards from exposure to high levels of fiberglass particles in some buildings and/or work environments.

Really? The exposure level of small airborne fiberglass particles is likely to depend on

  • the size and actual exposure level of such particles in the building
  • where the fiberglass is located
  • what means of transport are present (HVAC air returns, foot traffic, carrying dusty materials out of an attic into occupied space)
  • the exposure level of the occupants
  • other factors such as the health and health vulnerabilities of building occupants

Small particles in the 2.5u and below range are easily breathed deeply into the lung where they can be hard to expel. Some studies cited the ease with which the body dissolves or handles these ultra-small particles.

Yet small particulates are considered an indoor air pollutant. Airborne particles in the PM 2.5 size range (fine particles defined as 2.5 u and smaller in diameter ) to PM 10 (coarse particles) have been identified as an air pollution and as a human health hazard.

Prudent Avoidance Advice About Fiberglass Insulation Dust

It is possible that small fiberglass particles in air may constitute a meaningful health risk (obviously depending on the overall exposure level) which has not been explored.

We suggest that that prudent avoidance would be appropriate. Improper cleaning or treatment of fiberglass ducts with biocides may in fact increase rather than decrease indoor air quality problems in a building, particularly if occupants have other respiratory or pulmonary concerns/vulnerabilities.

 

Basic Dust Cleanup Advice for Indoor Fiberglass Fragments or other Small Particles

hole in bottom of mattress (C) InspectApedia.com NH

If we find frequent presence of fiberglass fibers in air or interior dust samples, further investigation, cleaning, and particularly investigation of air handling equipment and duct systems in the building would be appropriate.

If fiberglass HVAC duct work has been installed, I very often find significant fiberglass levels in interior air and dust samples.

Because these materials cannot be mechanically cleaned and because I do not recommend encapsulant sprays, replacement could be in order.

We would not expect and do not usually find evidence of movement of significant levels of fiberglass fragments from insulated attics, nor from enclosed (finished) walls, ceilings into living areas under normal conditions.

Photo above: reader NH was worried about fiberglass shed from a tear in a mattress cover, discussed in excruciating detail just below.

Fiberglass Shed from a Mattress Produces "Toxic Aerosols"?

Short answer, no. This conversation with reader NH reviews a concern for small fiberglass or suspected-fiberglass fragments and addresses NH's worry that somehow that material is itself toxic or that it exudes harmful airborne contaminants.

On 2023-01-17 by NH - my Zinus Green Tea mattress had a torn cover - I'm worried about contaminants in my home

Hi,

Thank you so much for for this article. I have an urgent question similar to the last posting here:

I just moved into a very small, shared apartment, and I noticed that the foam mattress left behind by a former tenant has an enormous hole in the bottom (see photo), and the cover was ripped.

The mattress also has no visible tags or identification and appears quite cheap - but I was told this was most likely a Zinus Green Tea mattress, which is known to contain fiberglass and at a subject of a lot of controversy, it seems.

A couple questions:

(1) Do you think living in this room is safe,

from an air quality standpoint?

I am concern the ripped, exposed foam material and mattress cover have filled the room with a significant amount of aerosolized fiberglass and possibly other things. I believe the mattress has been here for up to 6 years. The room is extremely small and has only a small AC/heating unit for ventilation purposes.

There is a window but it seems to have remained mostly closed.

(2) What cleaning procedures should I use?

I saw that you suggested "a combination of damp wiping and atpa vacuuming to clean up dust" to a previous poster.

What exactly is "atpa" [sic - probably meant HEPA] vacuuming? I'm looking to purchase the exact equipment I need, so I wasn't sure. Also by damp wiping do you mean simply using a rag and water?

(3) Does fiberglass release other toxic materials?

Besides fiberglass, is there concern of other toxic materials aerosolizing from this material?

And if so - would you recommend other cleaning methods for those?

(4) Should I use an air purifier?

Is there a specific type of air purifier that you would recommend that I could use to clear the air?

Thanks, NH

On 2023-01-17 by InspectApedia Publisher - are there toxic materials that "aerosol" from fiberglass dust"

@NH,

I'm so sorry that I can't give a direct answer: nobody with any experience would risk your peace of mind, health, and money telling you that your apartment is "safe" knowing nothing but what's in a text and a photo.

But if the place looks clean with very little dust, that would suggest that risks from such dust are probably low.

Damp wiping and HEPA vacuuming are effective ways to clean up any remaining problem dust.

"HEPA" is an acronym for "High Efficiency Particulate Air [filter]" and means that you are using a filter that captures most of the particles that might be airborne, using a very efficient type of filter.

There are no other particles of "toxic materials that aerosol" from fiberglass dust.

A few readers have asked if the binders used in fiberglass insulation (probably not mattresses) off-gas harmful levels of formaldehyde.

Please read

From reading more expert research on the question, my sense is that large fiberglass fibres are not particularly a respiratory hazard but might be a skin irritant.

Small or very small particles might be hazardous though at least some studies say that's not the case.

Please read

  • FIBERGLASS HAZARD RESEARCH

    Air purifiers don't really "purify" air - they can reduce airborne dust levels but until the source is removed, it's an endless battle.

After you've read those two articles, we'll welcome your follow-up questions.

On 2023-01-18 by Anonymous - if I don't see shiny particles does that mean they're not there?

@InspectApedia Publisher, Thank you so much! Would it be safe to say if I don't see any larger pieces or "shiny glitter" (when shining a flashlight in the dark) on the floor or walls with my naked eye, there probably isn't a significant amount of smaller particles in the air?

On 2023-01-18 by InspectApedia Publisher - no.

@Anonymous,

In a practical sense that sounds reasonable but from the point of view of clear scientific thinking, no, don't make assumptions when you have not a shred of objective data.

Very small particles can not be seen with the naked eye.

Looking "in the dark with a flashlight" is not a thorough indoor air quality investigative measure, nor would be using UV light. You'd need to collect environmental dust samples from air and from surfaces, and further, looking at dust or particles doesn't address questions of chemical or certain other contaminants that can be present in a building.

But without some solid reason to do such investigating it's probably not cost-justified.

Please read

Also see

On 2023-01-18 by Anonymous - what tests should we ask our insurance company to do?

@InspectApedia Publisher, Thank you, I definitely agree with everything above. I actually found shiny particles on the walls through the eye test anyway.

Anyway, at this point, we're trying to file a claim for insurance to cover cleaning and testing.

Is there a particular test that we ought to push for insurance to cover for this particular instance? I saw in your article that airborne tests are often not reliable.

And for finding cleaning companies to perform damp wiping and HEPA vacuuming, any good strategies or keywords for finding a good one? (We already filed a claim with insurance so we're hoping they will cover it.)

So I'm planing to do damp wiping and HEPA vacuuming myself. Is there a guide somewhere on how to do this properly? Was wondering if I should vacuum first, then damp wipe, or vice versa. And if any other specific instructions.

Thank you so much.

On 2023-01-22 by InspectApedia Publisher - Best dust cleanup procedures when using HEPA Vacuuming and Damp Wiping

@NH,

Good question.

I've already commented on additional environmental testing in my prior reply.

Opinion on best dust cleanup procedures when using HEPA Vacuuming and Damp Wiping

Having done both damp wiping and HEPA vacuuming, I would

1. Do all the HEPA vacuuming first. That includes vacuuming all reasonably accessible surfaces and areas, including tops of books, shelving, etc.

2. Then go back and damp-wipe surfaces that suit your degree of meticulousness, such as horizontal trim over windows and doors (harder to reach with that HEPA vac wand), shelf surfaces etc.

Wipe working your way DOWN from highest surfaces to floor level.

Watch out: I've done field lab tests of damp-wiping exercises at a mold contamination cleanup job.

We tested surfaces of many items before and after they were "wiped".

We found that the crew were re-using the same filthy cloths and wipes over and over - effectively simply spreading contaminants from one surface to another, sometimes even from a dirty surface to one that was more clean than after they wiped it.

So to be effective you want to use disposable wipes and "dispose" of each wipe after it has been used, clean side folded out, used again, etc., moving on to new clean wipes very frequently. More frequent means cleaner results.

Although this guide is referring to asbestos rather than your issue of fiberglass, the damp wiping procedure is the same. This guide refers to rags but wipes are just fine, too.

Be sure to see

On 2023-01-23 by NH - is vinegar a better damp wipe liquid than water?

@InspectApedia Publisher, Thank you so much!! This is so, so helpful. Going from highest surfaces and working down towards floor makes a lot of sense - will do. And same with avoiding reusing wipes.

Do you think using 6% cleaning vinegar would be OK for damp wiping instead of water? And is it worth vacuuming/wiping the ceiling, or is that less likely to harbor fiberglass dust?

Oh, and do you think running a HEPA air purifier after all this vacuuming/wiping is done is safe?

On 2023-01-23 by InspectApedia Publisher - No "air purifier" really removes all contaminants that might be present in indoor air

@NH,

Vinegar is an effective and safe household cleaner but I'm not sure when you're simply wiping up dust fibers that you need to use a disinfectant. But it's most likely harmless if you want to add that feature.

If you are simply wiping up dust there should be no need to disinfect building surfaces.

See details at DISINFECTION of BUILDING SURFACES 

and see

  • Culveer, Alicia, Chris Geiger, Ph. D., Deanna Simon,SAFER PRODUCTS and PRACTICES for DISINFECTING and SANITIZING SURFACES [PDF]

    No "air purifier" Really removes all contaminants that might be present an indoor air but it can reduce the level of airborne contaminants. Just how effective it is depends entirely on the local environment and on the level of contamination and particularly on the contaminant source.

Please read

and see

and for a more-scholarly explanation read

Consider that if you were for example standing in the kitchen waving a vacuum cleaner in the air it wouldn't pull dust from beneath living room couch.

On 2023-01-24 by NH

@InspectApedia Publisher, Thank you so, so much again - your answers are truly so helpful and insightful! I was wondering:

if I've been running a HEPA air purifier while the room was still contaminated - would it be harmful if I continued to run it *after* cleaning the room? In that it would re-introduce the fiberglass dust right back into the room?

On 2023-01-24 by InspectApedia Editor - an air filter is not going to 're-introduce' dust or particles back into the room

@NH,

An air filter is not going to 're-introduce' dust or particles back into the room. If that were the case, then it would be doing it while you are cleaning the room to begin with.

The owner's manual for your air purifier will explain proper usage AND needed maintenance. Of course if your air filter was dirty or damaged it's time to replace it.

Keep in mind that there are various types of filters for different purposes. Learn more about them at

On 2023-01-24 by NH

@InspectApedia Editor , Got it, thank you! Reading the link you sent now. Last but not least, do you think paper towels would suffice in place of rags for damp-wiping?

Small vs Large Fiberglass Particle Hazard Research

Research of health hazards associated with fiberglass exposure have focused on specific industries such as boat building, and catastrophic events such as bombings in London that disturbed fiberglass in buildings.

See FIBERGLASS HAZARD RESEARCH for more detailed citations.

  • Albrecht, Matthew A., Cameron W. Evans, and Colin L. Raston. "Green chemistry and the health implications of nanoparticles." Green chemistry 8, no. 5 (2006): 417-432.
  • Guo, Jie, Qunli Rao, and Zhenming Xu. "Effects of particle size of fiberglass–resin powder from PCBs on the properties and volatile behavior of phenolic molding compound." Journal of hazardous materials 175, no. 1-3 (2010): 165-171.
  • Kilburn KH, Powers D, Warshaw RH. PULMONARY EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO FINE FIBREGLASS: IRREGULAR OPACITIES AND SMALL AIRWAYS OBSTRUCTION [PDF] Br J Ind Med. 1992 Oct;49(10):714–720. retrieved 2018/07/11 original source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1012147/pdf/brjindmed00022-0044.pdf
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE--Man made mineral fibres imitate asbestos and produce tumours of the pleura in animals.

    To answer the question, Does prolonged exposure to fibreglass adversely affect pulmonary function or produce radiographic abnormalities in human subjects? we studied workers in a midwestern appliance plant where refrigerator doors and previously entire cabinets were insulated with fibreglass sheeting and loose rotary spun fibreglass.

    METHODS--Spirometry and lung volumes were measured, respiratory and occupational questionnaires were administered, and chest x-ray films were read for pneumoconiosis using International Labour Office (ILO) 1980 criteria in 284 workers with exposure of 20 years or more.

    RESULTS--Expiratory flows were reduced including FEV1 (mean 90.3% of predicted (pr), FEF25-75 (85.5% pr), and FEF75-85 (76.2% pr). Forced vital capacity was significantly reduced (92.8% pr) and total lung capacity was significantly increased (109.2% pr). In white male smokers, a group large enough for comparisons, parameters of pulmonary function were reduced further in the presence of irregular opacities.

    Forty three workers (15.1%) had evidence of pneumoconiosis on chest radiographs: 26 of these (9.1%), had no known exposure to asbestos and 17 (6.0%) had some exposure. The best judgement was that in 36 (13.0%), pulmonary opacities or pleural abnormalities were due to fibreglass.

    CONCLUSION-- Commercial rotary spun fibreglass used for insulating appliances appears to produce human disease that is similar to asbestosis.
  • Kim, Seong Chan, Matthew S. Harrington, and David YH Pui. "Experimental study of nanoparticles penetration through commercial filter media." In Nanotechnology and Occupational Health, pp. 117-125. Springer, Dordrecht, 2006.
  • McCurdy, Stephen A. "Carcinogenicity of Synthetic Mineral Fibers." Western Journal of Medicine 148, no. 1 (1988): 75.
  • Rossiter, C. E. PULMONARY EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO FINE FIBERGLASS: IRREGULAR OPACITIES AND SMALL AIRWAYS OBSTRUCTION [PDF] Letter, British journal of industrial medicine 50, no. 4 (1993): 382.
  • Stanton, Mearl F., Maxwell Layard, Andrew Tegeris, Eliza Miller, Margaret May, and Elizabeth Kent. "Carcinogenicity of fibrous glass: pleural response in the rat in relation to fiber dimension." Journal of the National Cancer Institute 58, no. 3 (1977): 587-603.
    Abstract:
    Seventeen fibrous glasses of diverse type or dimensional distribution induced different incidences of malignant mesenchymal neoplasms when implanted in the pleurae of female Osborne-Mendel rats for periods of more than 1 year. Neoplastic response correlated well with the dimensional distribution of fibers.

    Fibers less than or equal to 1.5 µ in diameter and greater than 8 µ in length yielded the highest probability of pleural sarcomas, and probability trends suggested that pleural sarcoma incidence increased with increasing lengths of fibers with diameters of less than 1.5 µ.

    Morphologic observations indicated that fibers less than or equal to 8 µ in length were inactivated by phagocytosis. In fibers greater than 8 µ in length, the correlation of carcinogenicity with increasing length was difficult to explain.

    Since neoplastic response to a variety of types of durable fibers, particularly asbestos fibers, was similar, our experiments reinforce the idea that the carcinogenicity of fibers depends on dimension and durability rather than physicochemical properties and emphasize that all respirable fibers be viewed with caution.
  • U.S. EPA, OVERVIEW OF PARTICLE AIR POLLUTION (PM2.5 AND PM10) AIR QUALITY COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP [PDF] of a power point presentation], San Salvador, El Salvador April 16-17, 2012 retrieved 2018/07/11, original source: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-05/documents/huff-particle.pdf

    Note: this presentation does not specifically focus on fiberglass. Excerpts:

    Particulate matter (PM) is a general term for very small solid and liquid particles in the atmosphere

    There are many different sources of PM, including natural and anthropogenic (man-made) sources

    PM is hazardous to human health – it causes acute and chronic effects to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems

    PM causes a variety of human health and economic impacts each year (e.g., mortality, morbidity, DALYs, lost income from work absences, costs of health care)
  • [3] "Fibrous Glass Material Safety Data Sheet.", GAF Materials Corporation,1361 Alps Road, Wayne, NJ 07470, Tel: 800 – 766 – 3411, MSDS # 1001, MSDS Date: November 2008. Web search 01/03/2011, original source: Fiberglass_MSDS__1001-309-280-v1.pdf
  • [4] "Insulation Overview", Healthy House Institute, Web search 01/03/2011, original source: Insulation_ Insulation Overview - HealthyHouseInstitute.pdf, website: healthyhouseinstitute.com
  • Fiberglass carcinogenicity: GLASS WOOL FIBERS EXPERT PANEL REPORT, Part B - Recommendation for Listing Status for Glass Wool Fibers and Scientific Justification for the Recommendation [PDF]

    The Report on Carcinogens (RoC) expert panel for glass wool fibers exposures met at the Sheraton Chapel Hill Hotel, Chapel Hill, North Carolina on June 9-10, 2009, to peer review the draft background document on glass wool fibers exposures and make a recommendation for listing status in the 12th Edition of the RoC. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is one of the National Institutes of Health within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The National Toxicology Program is headquartered on the NIEHS campus in Research Triangle Park, NC.

    Following a discussion of the body of knowledge, the expert panel reviewed the RoC listing criteria and made its recommendation. The expert panel recommended by a vote of 8 yes/0 no that glass wool fibers, with the exception of special fibers of concern (characterized physically below), should not be classified either as known to be a human carcinogen or reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.

    The expert panel also recommended by a vote of 7 yes/0 no/1 abstention, based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in well-conducted animal inhalation studies, that special-purpose glass fibers with the physical characteristics as follows longer, thinner, less soluble fibers (for 1 example, > 15 μm length with a kdis of < 100 ng/cm2/h) are reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen for the listing status in the RoC.

    The major considerations discussed that led the panel to its recommendation include the observations of tumors in multiple species of animals (rats and hamsters). Both inhalation and intraperitoneal routes of exposure produced tumors, although inhalation was considered more relevant for humans.
  • World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer - IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans - VOL 81 Man-Made Vitreous Fibers, 2002, IARCPress, Lyon France, pi-ii-cover-isbn.qxd 06/12/02 14:15 Page i - World Health Organization, 1/21/1998. -

    Fiberglass insulation is an example of what IARC refers to as man made vitreous fiber - inorganic fibers made primarily from glass, rock, minerals, slag, and processed inorganic oxides. This article provides enormous detail about fiberglass and other vitreous fibers, and includes fiberglass exposure data.
  • Also see citations atReferences or Citations at the end of this page.

...


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Reader Comments, Questions & Answers About The Article Above

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Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

On 2022-08-12 by InspectApedia (mod) - how do I clean up fiberglass particles from mattress and mattress cover?

@DJ,

It certainly sounds like you need to throw away that fiberglass mattress cover and then use a combination of damp wiping and hepa vacuuming to clean up dust in your home. That can provide a perfectly adequate cleanup.

You'll never get the level of fiberglass particles in a building to zero or should that be your objective. We can find at least some fiberglass particles in just about every building. At higher levels fiberglass can be a skin or respiratory irritant.

You'll find more research on fiberglass irritants and health hazards in this article series.

On 2022-08-12 by DJ

Hello!

I found this article to be pretty helpful in realtion to what I have an issue with, but home I can get another opinion on my specific circumstance for peace of mind.

I just moved with my boyfriend to a new apartment. The mattress was dirty, so I wanted to remove the protective cover to wash it, which is not advised, because it is a foam mattress with fiberglass and rayon "fire sock" that is underneath the cover I wanted to wash. My boyfriend said he washed it with him mom before, and never had an issue.

We take the sock of to wash, and fiberglass gets all over our clothes, and bedroom rug. I foolishly wash the cover without zipping up the fiberglass side (to keep it contained) and now our washer and dryer have very fine fiberglass particles.

My question is if you know a way to remove the fiberglass as best as possible? I have been washing and drying rags I can trash and it seems to be working, but I can still see the very fiberglass particles via flashlight in my contaminated clothes and the dryer specifically.

We vacuumed the room (which may have sprayed fine particles in the air I am not sure) and covered the bed in the previous washed cover, a waterproof cover and a fitted sheet. With flashlight there does not appear to be aby fiberglass on the bed now.

My other question is how dangerous would these potential microscopic air particles be? We are considering getting an air filter for the bedroom to be safe.

The other curious thing is that while handling the fiberglass, we had no side effects. No rash, no itching, no irritation of skin or respiratory. We only wore gloves and masks while handling the mattress directly.

Any advice would help me sleep better at night! We seem like we're fine (as I said no effects thus far) but I always worry because of how little idol I have found about microscopic fiberglass particles and our unique situation.

On 2021-09-18 by inspectapedia.com.moderator - fiberglass particles have been exfoliating through the mattress cover

@itchy with rash,

Thank you for a helpful suggestion;

Please see FIBERGLASS SHEDDING from MATTRESSES

where we will include your question;

We will welcome seeing a photo of your mattress, a photo of its data tag would also be very helpful - you can post one photo per comment and as many comments and thus photos as you wish.

On 2021-09-18 by itchy with rash

We purchased a ZINUS™ Memory Foam Mattress, and we discovered that the fiberglass particles have been exfoliating through the mattress cover. We never opened the mattress cover... The shards are simply making their way through the sealed cover.

Now our house is contaminated with fiberglass..... please create an addendum to this article, specifically about memory foam mattress.

On 2021-08-24 by inspectapedia.com.moderator

@Anonymous,

Asking more technically precise questions like what was the refractive index of your mountant? will probably just embarrass us and annoy the lab;

From what you can read here, it's not clear that you should be very worried about this, but if you want to know what the lab included in their scan or report on fiberglass fragments present in your air or dust sample just ask what particle size range is included in their analysis.

On 2021-08-24 by Anonymous

@inspectapedia.com.moderator,

Thanks for the quick reply! I'll be sure to ask them. Do you have any advice on how to phrase the question to get the most accurate response? Should I ask about what size range they look for or just about small fiberglass particles in general?

Or maybe ask about the mountant they used? Or any other thoughts on how to get them to take the question seriously and respond in a useful way?

On 2021-08-23 by inspectapedia.com.moderator - small fiberglass particle testing and hazards

@Aaron Ziemer,

Thank you for a helpful question on small fiberglass particle testing and hazards.

First, let's be accurate:

NO building will be completely "clear" (to use your word) of fiberglass fibers and fragments. It's completely normal and generally harmless to find at least some fiberglass fibers in building dust including house dust, even when there's no obviously-exposed fiberglass insulation.

Next:

Decades ago I thought that the small fiberglass particles, hard to see without special effort in the lab, might be particular hazardous as are other PM2.5 small particles as they're breathed deeply into the lung and might be hard to expel. Early researchers often had that view or conclusion.

Subsequent research, some of it financed by the fiberglass industry, concluded that the hazard was probably not there or was exaggerated. I heard from some pretty irate industry reps on this topic and have made an effort to include significant research on the question.

Where we are today is without unequivocal evidence of the hazard and confounding research that leads away from that view.

Next:

If a lab isn't reporting small fiberglass fragments then they probably are not using the special methods necessary to look for them; but you ought to be able to get a straight answer by asking the lab directly. (Let us know what you're told as that'll be important to other readers.)

Finally:

The sampling method, using MCE filter cassettes, is capable of collecting very small particles in or even below the PM 2.5 range, but that doesn't tell you one iota of a nanobit whether or not the dust in the filter was then processed and examined using methods designed to identify both large and very small fragments.

Ask the lab, and tell us what they reply.

On 2021-08-22 by Aaron Ziemer

Hi All,
Do you have any advice for how to confirm whether or not a lab is examining for small fiberglass size particles?

My dad and I are trying to confirm that his house is clear of fiberglass after it was contaminated some time ago with small mechanically broken down fiberglass from insulation underneath the house during a repair.

We have got the following test report, which came back with all samples absent of fiberglass. The lab claimed they could detect fiberglass particles of any size, but I wasn't sure if there were specific questions we should ask to confirm that they were correct about that.

For folks with experience, does this testing protocol look like one that should be able to detect small fiberglass particles?

Thanks, Aaron

Fiberglass air test report (C) InspectApedia.com Aaron

On 2021-05-15 by (mod) - take health concerns first to your doctor

@Brandi,

With respect you need to take your concerns first to your doctor who knows your personal health conditions and can advise you about what in your environment most needs attention. Find Doctor whom you trust, and then listen to your doctor.

I'm unclear on how you came to know with certainty that your home is seriously contamianted by sub-micron fiberglass fragments.

It may be useful to note that it is not common to find significant levels of very small sub-micron sized fiberglass fragments in buildings except where fiberglass insulation or ductwork has suffered significant mechanical damage.

But provided their microscopist is willing to take the trouble to use proper mountants with proper refractive index and high powered microscopy, any forensic microscopist can examine indoor dust samples for unusual levels of fiberglass particles of various sizes down to the 1u range.

I would beware of doing any costly studies before first getting some focus from your doctor about what concerns you need to address.

On 2021-05-15 by Brandi

Hi, I am here trying to seek information, as no one (including the internet), seems to have any solutions.

As everyone on here searches and prays for some type of “help” to relieve their “nightmare,” I truly believe you could help a LOT of people if we ask the correct questions, so here is my try...For the sake of trying to save time, here, I am going to start by not explaining how this happened, but what the issue is, rather.

(Which shouldn’t determine the answer, as long as the source of the issue has been removed, I wouldn’t think )

We KNOW the home is completely contaminated with SUBMICRON sized fiberglass (resin) dust as it has been, cautiously and continually, vacuumed with an industrial sized vacuum (Delta DM 3), and “True HEPA” air purifiers (3 to be exact) have been distributed throughout the home.

The problem: it is bypassing the filter/filtering through the vacuum and is being released back into the air (now outside as well, as it is less ‘obvious’ when it’s humid) and the same thing is happening, inside the home, concerning the air purifiers. It shines with proper lighting (sun-outside; flashlight-inside), there is a person who is allergic (which comes with pros and cons- considering “at home detection”), as well as a toddler and a disabled senior- who is rapidly getting sicker since the issue started.

Now, with all of that being said, every place that has been contacted, about 2 months into the situation (which it has now been quite a bit longer, so the desperation in finding ways to prove it has gotten a bit more....”creative”), either wasn’t able to “see” it, was looking for MOLD, isn’t very educated on how small it gets when ground(ed) (etc.), or their “tester” didn’t detect it

It goes without saying, that breathing in fine glass particles for a substantial amount of time is not good, at all, and this family has taken just about all they can handle, as it has even taken away from their jobs. *I failed to mention that they can’t seem to get it out of their hair, as silly as that sounds and it is also in their vehicles.

Without having to file for “bankruptcy,” is there ANY advice that you may have for this family? Maybe an air purifier that gets such fine particles or a place they can contact who can, at least, guide them in the right direction....or an organization that could help with expenses....anything? Thank you for your time and patience. God bless.

On 2021-04-05 by (mod) - check for hidden mold reservoir in buildings that suffered leaks into ceilings, walls, floors

@Nancy Mason,

In your photos I see

- cobwebs

- typical house dust

- possible mold at bath wall & ceiling consistent with poor ventilation

- a closeup of a hole in a wall where you report water damage

Where there has been a water leak into building ceilings or walls it's worth having a professional explore, if necessary making test cuts, to determine the extent of water damage and mold contamination.

Certainly where there have been leaks into building ceilings, walls, floors, unless an expert has already done-so, those areas are worth investigating for significant hidden mold reservoirs that could be a health hazard for building occupants.

Generally building insulation that has been soaked should be thrown out in the building cavities cleaned before the repair or restoration are completed.

None of your photos point to a fiberglass hazard.

CONSULTANTS & EXPERTS DIRECTORIES may be of some help to you.

Also be sure to review

MORGELLONS SYNDROME

On 2021-04-05 by Nancy Mason


Water damaged wall (C) InspectApedia.com Nancy Mason

@Nancy Mason, Adding more pics

water damate at bath ceiling & wall (C) InspectApedia Nancy M


Painted-over wall debris- harmless (C) InspectApdia.com Nancy

I just posted a comment about fiberglass in my wall Seeming that it’s coming through my van so I do not know my neighbor above me flag it her tub flooded my bathroom so bad couple months ago I’m posting a picture of the wall in the bathroom that I could put my finger through

and it looks like black mold connected to my bedroom walk-in closet I have moved out of my apartment first I moved out of my bedroom lives in my living room now I have moved out of my apartment which I’m still paying for hoping that my apartment complex will do something about this they don’t seem to want to can anybody tell me if this is mold in my walls thank you

On 2021-04-05 by Nancy Mason - prickly feeling feels like pieces of fine glass actually I’ve been pulling them out of my skin looks like a little shards of glass

Apartment above me flooded my bathroom so bad a few months back. I have major cracks, 1/2” wide in my bedroom adjacent wall to bathroom, I’ve been feeling prickly glass feeling, seeing a certain dust on my furniture and see tiny pink fuzz balls sticking to me as soon as I walk in my bedroom along with being sick with upper respiratory problems eyes nose etc.

this is gotten so bad I moved out of my room into my living room I did use an air purifier in my walk-in closet where the crack is next to the ceiling of the bathroom leak.

Just three weeks ago above my shower I put my finger through my wall and it’s total black mold soft wall wet wall I knew there was mold something is there a such thing of fiberglass getting compromised by moisture and somehow floating out into The air in my room and walk-in closet so bad where I have had to throw away half of my wardrobe it’s all in my rug I cannot get

The prickly feeling feels like pieces of fine glass actually I’ve been pulling them out of my skin looks like a little shards of glass so microscopic but you can see it underneath of a Magnifying glass I have been documenting this for months my apartment complex says they’re not gonna do anything my question is mainly about the fiberglass cause the mold is a pair and I have pictures in the walls but the fiberglass is there a such thing of negative pressure where are fiberglass can come through.

This is in my vent the picture was never there before it looks like a collection of fiber. Please forgive me I’m using talk to text

HVAC register interior (C) InspectApedia Nancy M

On 2020-08-27 by Ali

@Tom Carmichael,
I have the same problem. The eyes are the ones that take the most damage and the eye-lids get inflamed. I am now worried about the bed that I just from Amazon (manufactured in China). The particles are .03 micron level because I can see them from eye under a flashlight. They are shinny and dug into my skin. I am not sure how to get them out.

On 2020-07-13 by (mod) - severe problems with very dry eyes - related to fiberglass ducts? Do we provide testing?

Tom

When there's an indoor air quality question such as this one it makes sense to me to collect some settled dust and have it analyzed by forensic lab to identify the dominant particles as well as the presence of anything unusual that might be diagnostic even if present only at a lower level.

It's normal to find some fiberglass in most indoor dust samples but if it's a dominant particle than you might indeed be looking for a source that needs to be corrected.

But simply routing HVAC ducts through fiberglass insulation would not be likely to explain an indoor air quality issue nor dry eyes.

About your request for testing by us,

After decades of field investigation and forensic lab work, with exception of a few pro-bono or research assignments, I have retired from field work and also from forensic laboratory analysis work to concentrate full time on pure research and writing for InspectApedia.com. 

I must send my regrets that our workload as well as the urgency of your situation preclude telephone, in-person, and any lengthy email consulting, whether pro-bono or paid, concerning the question(s) that you have raised. 
However you are very welcome to post questions, comments, and photos or drawings (one per comment, as many comments as you need) on any InspectApedia.com web page.

Try the on-page search box found at the page top or bottom to find out if there is already advice for the question you've got in mind.

That will provide a far-more-thorough answer than I can provide if I try to invent that advice anew off-the-cuff. 

It's also the case that far more reliable, safer guidance will come from having an on-site expert  discuss your concerns, take a thorough case and building history, inspect the building exterior, interior, mechanical systems thoroughly if that's required, perhaps provide a bit of ancillary testing (never rely on tests alone), provide findings in writing, and answer your follow-up questions.

For environment and health related worries it's usually best to start with guidance from your own doctor.

In five decades of building, environmental,  and forensic work it has been my experience that at every case in which I was able to actually visit and inspect a property there were critical observations and conditions that simply were not obvious to a normal home owner, buyer, realtor. It's not that the inspector is necessarily smarter,  but rather that they have different experience. 

E-text, reports, photos, phone calls can give another viewpoint or can suggest some questions to ask your onsite-consultant, but they are never a substitute for an on-site expert.

CONSULTANTS & EXPERTS DIRECTORIES - at https://inspectapedia.com/Expert-Consultants-Directory.php  may be of some help to you.

On 2020-07-13 by Tom Carmichael

Hello,
I have developed severe problems with very dry eyes, so severe it’s affecting my vision and blocking the oil glands, needing treatment, very dry mouth so I have to sip water constantly to have a moist mouth, and very dry skin. Doctors think it’s either a rare illness similar to Lupus, or maybe environmental exposure to something.

I moved onto a new apartment several years ago, and the problems started. The HVAC system blows out a fine white dust. I’ve been gone on several long vacations since moving in, and the problems decrease while I’m gone, then increase after I return.

I’ve had my apartment checked for mildew, and there is none.

I have flexiduct HVAC ducts that run through fiberglass Could my problems be consistent with small fiberglass fiber exposure?

Do you do testing? If so, where are you located? Can you recommend a good indoor air quality inspection laboratory? I seem to remember reading about one near Texas. What color is fiberglass insulation around ductwork?
The dryness is increasing and causing me more problems.
Thank you!
Tom Carmichael


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