Mineral Wool Fibers - Dangerous?

[SalJustSal]

I've heard that fiberglass fibers can be dangerous to breath in, is the same true for mineral wool? It seems to be a similar substance. Is it just as sharp and prickly as fiberglass?

If so, would you recommend wrapping it in a layer of plastic before wrapping in cloth? I know it may reflect some of the highs, but perhaps a thicker burlap cloth on the outside would absorb these higher frequencies. Or is there cloth that is dense enough to hold the small particles in and plastic wouldn't be needed?

 

[pandamonk]

I've heard that fiberglass fibers can be dangerous to breath in, is the same true for mineral wool? It seems to be a similar substance. Is it just as sharp and prickly as fiberglass?

If so, would you recommend wrapping it in a layer of plastic before wrapping in cloth? I know it may reflect some of the highs, but perhaps a thicker burlap cloth on the outside would absorb these higher frequencies. Or is there cloth that is dense enough to hold the small particles in and plastic wouldn't be needed?

It is probably the same as fiberglass, but the cloth should hold the particles. You can get insulation that has the same properties as rigid fiberglass which is safe. It's made from recycled denim and is environmentally friendly. It's called bonded logic ultratouch and for 3.5" it has absorbtion of
125Hz 250+Hz
0.95 over 1

Read about it here

 

[chris-from-ky]

I've heard some well respected moderators here and at Johnlsayers.com say that wrapping mineral wool in a thin trash bag or plastic painters tarp is ok to do. I've also heard of people wrapping some type of cotton batting around them before covering to keep the fibers from exiting the trap.

I asked a similar question once and I got the response that it's not harmful to your health whether you use a plastic covering or not. Here's the thread: https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=138442

 

[Halion]

I wouldn't eat the stuff but other than that I'd say don't worry about it. I build panels out of rockwool, which has been changing covered in cloth in wooden frames in my room for a couple of months now and the fibers are not coming through. Use gloves when handling the bare stuff though, because it itches like hell (but only afterwards, not immediately when you touch it, it's tricky stuff).