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?
Experienced 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]
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]
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]
We 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.
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.
What may be the sources of these fiberglass fragments? Here are some examples:
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
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.
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.
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.
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
@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
After you've read those two articles, we'll welcome your follow-up questions.
@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
@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.
@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?
@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
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?
@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?
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.
...
Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.
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.
@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?
@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
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
On 2021-04-05 by Nancy Mason
@Nancy Mason, Adding more pics
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
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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