Glass Wool - Health Problems

Health Problems

The National Toxicology Program classifies inhalable glass wool fibers as "Reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen". Some fiberglass products warn of "possible cancer hazard by inhalation". The European Union and Germany classify synthetic vitreous fibers as possibly or probably carcinogenic, but fibers can be exempt from this classification if they pass specific tests. A report by Health Canada, mentions unspecified studies on glass wool exposure that show long-term exposure to glass wool does not cause cancer in humans or animals. Evidence for these classifications is primarily from studies on experimental animals and mechanisms of carcinogenesis. Studies of fiberglass factory workers show significant increases in lung cancer but do not show clear exposure-response relationships and may be confounded by the effects of smoking. A 2002 summary by International Agency for Research on Cancer puts insulation glass wool into Category 3 carcinogen, "not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans".

Fiberglass will irritate the eyes, skin, and the respiratory system. Potential symptoms include irritation of eyes, skin, nose, throat; dyspnea (breathing difficulty); sore throat, hoarseness and cough.

Fiberglass is resistant to mold but growth can occur if fiberglass becomes wet and contaminated with organic material. Fiberglass insulation that has become wet should be inspected for evidence of residual moisture and contamination. Contaminated fiberglass insulation should be promptly removed.