fiberglass: health vs acoustics

[frequency_]

So fiberglass can cause even cancer, does covering fiberglass with cloth realy stops it from being dangerous for mans health?

 

[Gorty]

So fiberglass can cause even cancer, does covering fiberglass with cloth realy stops it from being dangerous for mans health?

The rigid fibreglass is compressed so when covered with a cloth and placed in position I don't see too many ways that loose fibres can escape. I cover my traps/absorbers with cloth front and back just as a safeguard!

 

[bpape]

And just for clarity, fiberglass does not cause cancer. There have been many studies done. Look at the American Lung Association for a history of some of the testing and the results.

No, it's still not terribly good for you to breathe in or even handle without gloves but it's not a carcinogen.

Bryan

 

[Gorty]

And just for clarity, fiberglass does not cause cancer. There have been many studies done. Look at the American Lung Association for a history of some of the testing and the results.

No, it's still not terribly good for you to breathe in or even handle without gloves but it's not a carcinogen.

Bryan

As Bryan said, fibreglass is not carcinogenic. Obviously you wouldn't want glass fibres in your lungs. Just make sure you use the protective equipment eg: gloves and paper dust mask when handling.

 

[frequency_]

Oh i see...maybe i got bit confused, is it rockwool that s carcinogenic?

 

[Rod Gervais]

Oh i see...maybe i got bit confused, is it rockwool that s carcinogenic?

Nope- rockwool isn't a carcinogen - but, if you worry about these things, then stay away from the beach - because sand IS a carcinogen...............

Rod

 

[frequency_]

Nope- rockwool isn't a carcinogen - but, if you worry about these things, then stay away from the beach - because sand IS a carcinogen...............

Rod

...and quit smoking, especialy smoking on the beach

 

[Fred Barnard]

Good Morning:
The science on fiberglass is inconclusive. The labeling now required by the US Goverment indicates that fiberglass is a "possible carcenogenic". As with most things in life, if you eat enough of it there will proabably be a problem.
Setting the cancer risk aside, exposed fiberglass can be an irritant if it is disturbed.
Having micro sized glass fibers removed from my eyes on numerous occasions, I would not recommend exposed fiberglass. if covered with fabric, poly barriers, etc., you will not have a problem.
Rockwool or mineral fiber is even a worse irritant due to the fibers being shorter and hence more friable.

 

[gullfo]

...and quit smoking, especialy smoking on the beach

no, i heard smoking prevents "sand cancer" but you'll die from lung cancer or skin cancer from too much sun... best to stay in front of your computer monitor and work the discussion boards... hmmm but then you get radiation sickness and carpal tunnel syndrome and mental problems... no way to win here...

 

[Rod Gervais]

Good Morning:
The science on fiberglass is inconclusive. The labeling now required by the US Goverment indicates that fiberglass is a "possible carcenogenic". As with most things in life, if you eat enough of it there will proabably be a problem.
Setting the cancer risk aside, exposed fiberglass can be an irritant if it is disturbed.
Having micro sized glass fibers removed from my eyes on numerous occasions, I would not recommend exposed fiberglass. if covered with fabric, poly barriers, etc., you will not have a problem.
Rockwool or mineral fiber is even a worse irritant due to the fibers being shorter and hence more friable.

Fred,

Sorry - but you are very mistaken. It is currently considered not classifiable as a human carcinogen, and that is a loooong way from saying that the science is inconclusive.

The labeling is left on only to cover the industry's ass - and when OSHA finally catches up with science it too will dissaapear.

The American Cancer Society considers it such a threat that they don't even bother to mention it on their web site - perhaps just the mere mention of it's name could be the cause heh?

This is quoted directly from the American Lung Association:

Direct contact with fiberglass materials or exposure to airborne fiberglass dust may irritate the skin, eyes, nose and throat. Fiberglass can cause itching due to mechanical irritation from the fibers. This is not an allergic reaction to the material. Breathing fibers may irritate the airways resulting in coughing and a scratchy throat. Some people are sensitive to the fibers, while others are not. Fiberglass insulation packages display cancer warning labels. These labels are required by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) based on determinations made by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP).

1994- NTP listed fiberglass as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" based on animal data.

1998- The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists reviewed the available literature and concluded glass wool to be "carcinogenic in experimental animals at a relatively high dose, by route(s) of administration, at site(s), of histologic type(s) or by mechanism(s) that are not considered relevant to worker exposures".

1999- OSHA and the manufacturers voluntarily agreed on ways to control workplace exposures to avoid irritation. As a result, OSHA has stated that it does not intend to regulate exposure to fiberglass insulation. The voluntary agreement, known as the Health & Safety Partnership Program includes a recommended exposure level of 1.0 fiber per cubic centimeter (f/cc) based on an 8-hour workday and provides comprehensive work practices.

2000- The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) reported that epidemiological studies of glass fiber manufacturing workers indicate "glass fibers do not appear to increase the risk of respiratory system cancer". The NAS supported the exposure limit of 1.0 f/cc that has been the industry recommendation since the early 1990s.

2001- The IARC working group revised their previous classification of glass wool being a possible carcinogen. It is currently considered not classifiable as a human carcinogen. Studies done in the past 15 years since the previous report was released, do not provide enough evidence to link this material to any cancer risk.

Please do your homework before popping around and adding more misinformation to the world of the internet.

Sincerely,

Rod

 

[frequency_]

Please do your homework before popping around and adding more misinformation to the world of the internet.

Sincerely,

Rod[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the information Rod, i think all these guys are bit shit at their job though (IARC, NAS, OSHA, NTP). They should do their homework before adding more misinformation to the world of the internet. Seems like they keep changing their mind

 

[Gorty]

Just build those bass traps and broadband absorbers and post up some pics!

 

[Seeker of Rock]

I would avoid putting fiberglass in front of a vent or next to your nose and mouth. Other than that, I doubt you are going to have many problems unless you work as an installer and are in constant contact with it day in and day out, where it may irritate your skin or cause coughing.
I'm just speculating, but there are probably many things more harmful/irritable to the average person in their everyday life than being around a few bats of covered, condensed fiberglass.