Frequently Asked Questions

Some of these are actual questions asked by on-line guest to our site, others approximate frequent questions.

I have fiberglass insulation in my house.  Should I have it removed?

I was helping a friend run wires in the attic down the walls for internet access yesterday and there was fiberglass in the attic.  The total time in the attic was probably about 3 hours. I did not have a protective mask on and probably breathed some fiberglass because I was coughing a lot and I could see fibers floating around after the insulation was disturbed.  The coughing stopped about 10 minutes after I got down.  So my question is how concerned should I be and how much if any health hazards can contact of this type and amount of time do to you? 

Odds are, you'll recover just fine.  Do the breathing exercises per the site.  Nobody really knows whether your type of exposure can cause harm in the long run, so don't spend too much time or money worrying about it.  Based on your letter, it appears you may be fairly sensitive to pollutants.  Therefore, a mask would be a very good idea for you.

I have a fiberglass tub/shower.  Is it dangerous?

In most cases, no.  Fiberglass which is fully encapsulated in plastic or other solid materials is unlikely to be harmful.  The exception to this rule would be a fiberglass tub which is cracked, broken, or in which the finish is worn off.  If the fibers within the encapsulating material are visible or becoming airborne, then the product should be either professionally repaired or replaced.  Avoid sanding or cutting any fiberglass-impregnated materials; including surfboards and boats: these types of operations should be left to professionals with the correct safety equipment.  Avoid skin contact with rough-finished fiberglass materials, such as large tanks or panels.

Will a paper dust mask protect my lungs from glass fibers?

No.  Paper dust masks will remove the largest fibers or clumps of fibers which cause ailments like a sore throat or a bloody nose, and which do deliver other toxins to the respiratory tract, but do nothing to filter out the smallest fibers, which lodge deep in your lungs and have the most potential to cause long-term disease.  A far better choice, for a little more money, is a reusable half-face respirator with replaceable HEPA cartridges.

Can I vacuum up glass fibers?

Only with a HEPA or ULPA vacuum.  Ordinary vacuums will actually stir up the smallest fibers, which are the most dangerous.  Airborne fibers are more dangerous than ones which have settled.  Fibers can leak out in many places on common vacuums, and can even penetrate paper vacuum bags.  Water filtration vacuums or wet-vacs are another choice.

Can homeowners be exposed to fiberglass from water heater blankets and pipe wraps? 

Certainly.  Open-faced blankets and wraps will readily shed fibers.  If you cannot find an alternative, fiberglass blankets sealed in some sort of fabric layer are a much better choice.  The big question with this material is whether it is exposed in a living space, such as a basement, or in a non-living space like a crawlspace or an attic.  Generally, the higher the use of the area, the more concern about contamination.  If the material is already in place, don safety gear and wrap the fiberglass in a breathable but protective layer.  Wear a respirator when sweeping areas around open fiberglass wraps.  Use HEPA or ULPA vacuum.

They are remodeling my office, and I feel sick.  Is fiberglass to blame?

Maybe.  But chances are, you are being exposed to a lot of different things.   Remodeling projects stir up dusts, molds, filth and toxins.  Paint, carpet, office dividers and new furnishings are loaded with volatile organic compounds, such as formaldehyde and benzene, which make people sick.  Chances are, if the remodeling is making you sick, it is making everyone in your office sick, too.  We suggest you take up this matter with your employer.  When an organized group of employees brings these concerns to their employer, it is hard to ignore.  Chances are, they will respond appropriately.  Unhappy employees are bad for business.  When cleaning the office, during and after the work, use a HEPA or an ULPA vacuum.

I know of an attic-like loft room made of unfinished wooden paneling in an acquaintance's residence. The ceiling of this room is lined with bags of white fiberglass insulation. The bags (which appear to be made of heavy, grocery bag-like paper) are torn in places, exposing tufts of white fiberglass. Moving into this room (and sleeping there every night) crossed my mind before I noticed the exposed fiberglass. Would you caution against it?

Trust your instincts here. In our opinion, the room is not suitable for habitation in this state.

I am thinking of adding insulation to my home.  What can I use besides fiberglass?

We can't recommend specific products, but we encourage you to use our competing insulation product links to see the many possibilities out there.

Should I exercise in an unfinished room with exposed fiberglass insulation?

We advise against that.  When you exercise you are pumping more air through your lungs.  You are also likely to be breathing through your mouth, bypassing the important particle-trapping abilities of the nose.  If the air in your exercise area is contaminated with glass fibers, then your exercise may be doing more harm than good.  Finish off any unfinished areas if you are planning to work out there regularly.  Then do a proper clean up.

Should I do my laundry in an unfinished room with exposed fiberglass insulation?

Again, we advise against that.  This is a sure-fire way to get fiberglass into all of your clothes.  Contamination can occur even if the room seems clean.  Again, finish off any areas which you plan to use for laundry, then do a proper clean up.

I am demolishing a building.  Should I be concerned about fiberglass insulation?

Absolutely!  Demolition of buildings containing fiberglass can result in massive exposure to workers and to the environment.  Furthermore, old insulation is loaded with mold, filth and vermin, which are health hazards even without the fiberglass.  Exposures to people during demolition can be greatly reduced by using the proper safety gear, including a correctly fitted full-face respirator and full-body protective clothing, possibly made out of Tyvek.  Exposure to the environment can be greatly reduced by wetting the insulation prior to demolition, and then promptly placing the insulation in plastic bags for transport to the dump or the recycling facility.  Continue to use water throughout the demolition process, whenever dust is released. Whenever old buildings with good timber are going to be removed, demolition teams should consider "deconstruction," which protects ancient forests by preserving valuable old-growth timber, is safer for workers and releases fewer airborne pollutants.

I have been exposed to fiberglass and need to find a doctor.  Where can I find one that's knowledgeable?

Most doctors, particularly general practitioners, are woefully uninformed about the fiberglass health issue.  It is not uncommon for them to send fiberglass victims to psychologists!  Small towns are unlikely to have doctors with the necessary experience.  If there is a university near you, check to see if they have an occupational health department, and start your search there.  You may also try your state occupational health program.  If there is a Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (COSH group) in your area, this is a great place to start.  Also, unions typically know where to find occupational health specialists.  The Heat and Frost and Asbestos Workers union is most likely know some experienced doctors, however, any union may be able to help.  If you are not adverse to trying an "alternative" health practitioner, you might find someone locally who not only believes what you are telling them, but can suggest reasonable remedies.  If you are inclined to treat yourself, then take a look at our suggestions for healing.

I need an attorney, how can I find one?

Personal referral is always the best way to find one.  Barring that, you may wish to use an internet search engine.  The types of lawyers most useful to people with fiberglass exposure cases are either asbestos attorneys or product liability attorneys.  Look for an attorney with plenty of trial experience, otherwise they may get cold feet before the big day and coerce you into a meager settlement which covers their out-of pocket costs.

• Product liability attorney search site
• Lawlead finds "leading American attorneys" by name, specialty or location

Have a suggested FAQ?  Send it here...