Health Hazards Fiberglass Roofing Materials

Our page top photo illustrates a fiberglass reinforced lightweight bell canoe in use in the quetico wilderness.

Health hazards fiberglass roofing materials.

Mineral fibre based building materials and their health hazards in toxicity of building materials pp. These fibers are classified into three general groups. 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. Insulation are not considered to pose a health risk.

This article describes possible health hazards when working with fiberglass reinforced plastic products and materials. It is only during installation or when these materials are disturbed or broken e g. Synthetic mineral fibers are fibrous inorganic substances made primarily from rock clay slag or glass. Fiberglass is a plastic substance made of small glass particles extruded into thin strands of material that reinforce polymer products or insulate them.

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. It is made by pulling strands of glass into thin fibers. People can be affected by fiberglass when they come into contact with it either during the manufacturing process or when it is being used in a building. Scientists have made over 400 studies of fiberglass in an attempt to answer this question.

The fibers are strung together into a mesh much like woven wool. General toxicologic hazards and risks for search and rescue dogs responding to urban disasters. Fiberglass insulation or glass wool is a man made vitreous fiber. Fiberglass glass wool and glass filament mineral wool rock wool and slag wool and refractory ceramic fibers rcf.

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. But while many see the benefits of insulating our houses. Wismer and jay c. According to its material safety data sheet msds fiberglass is actually plastic wrapped in glass composed of plastic.

Fiberglass is a multipurpose material used in the construction of buildings automobiles fabric and sporting goods. Everyone has heard about the association between lung cancer and asbestos. 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. When bare skin comes into contact with fibreglass the sharp ends of the strands can cause irritation through scratching creating tiny cuts.

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