Health Hazards Fiberglass Roofing Materials

Fiberglass invented in 1938 by russell games slayter for owens corning is the typical referent when the generic term fiberglass is used and it is well known across america as the pink fluffy material resembling cotton candy that is.

Health hazards fiberglass roofing materials. The occupational safety and health administration does not therefore class fibreglass as an irritant as this term is restricted to substances which cause chemical reactions. Insulation are not considered to pose a health risk. Mineral fibre based building materials and their health hazards in toxicity of building materials pp. These fibers are classified into three general groups.

This article describes possible health hazards when working with fiberglass reinforced plastic products and materials. General toxicologic hazards and risks for search and rescue dogs responding to urban disasters. The fibers are strung together into a mesh much like woven wool. Our page top photo illustrates a fiberglass reinforced lightweight bell canoe in use in the quetico wilderness.

Fiberglass insulation or glass wool is a man made vitreous fiber. Fiberglass is a multipurpose material used in the construction of buildings automobiles fabric and sporting goods. Fiberglass insulation a man made mineral fiber con structed from a variety of materials such as sand and recycled glass is the most popular form of insulation in the united states more than 90 percent of homes in america are lined with the pink stuff source. Focused on asbestos hazards.

But while many see the benefits of insulating our houses. When bare skin comes into contact with fibreglass the sharp ends of the strands can cause irritation through scratching creating tiny cuts. Cutting hazards and other msds information. Fiberglass is a plastic substance made of small glass particles extruded into thin strands of material that reinforce polymer products or insulate them.

It is made by pulling strands of glass into thin fibers. Wismer and jay c. According to its material safety data sheet msds fiberglass is actually plastic wrapped in glass composed of plastic. Since some forms of asbestos are similar in appearance to fiberglass fibers many people wonder if handling fiber glass could also result in the development of cancer or other serious health hazards.

Fiberglass glass wool and glass filament mineral wool rock wool and slag wool and refractory ceramic fibers rcf. Properly installed covered fiberglass products e g. Gwaltney brant sharon m lisa a. Synthetic mineral fibers are fibrous inorganic substances made primarily from rock clay slag or glass.

Scientists have made over 400 studies of fiberglass in an attempt to answer this question.