What Are the Dangers of Fiberglass Insulation?
Fiberglass insulation or glass wool is a man-made vitreous fiber. It is made by pulling strands of glass into thin fibers. People can be affected by fiberglass when they come into contact with it either during the manufacturing process or when it is being used in a building. Construction workers who install or remove insulation often come into contact with fiberglass. Homeowners can also come across fiberglass insulation during repairing or clearing out the attic. If the insulation is not properly sealed off it can get into air vents and circulate through the building. Fiberglass insulation is not generally considered to be dangerous, but it can irritate the skin and respiratory system. Skin Irritation When bare skin comes into contact with fiberglass the sharp ends of the strands can cause irritation through scratching, creating tiny cuts. This will only be a temporary effect, but it can be uncomfortable. This effect is known as mechanical irritation because the fiberglass does not re