Fiber Glass

After years of testing the National Toxicology Program listed fiber glass as a substance "reasonably anticipated to be a carcinogen in humans." Studies by Cornell University concluded that man-made mineral fibers, including fiber glass, may be one of the major causes of "Sick Building Syndrome" (SBS). SBS is said to exist when one or more similar health problems apparently related to interior environment factors are endemic among occupants of a specific building. Fungi have also been linked to SBS and other environmental diseases. Serious incidents of fungal contamination of fiber glass duct insulation and wall insulation have been reported in the professional literature and by the general media, including two of the three largest broadcast television networks. If insulation becomes wet it should be inspected for mold growth. Care should be taken to protect construction workers and building occupants from exposure to airborne glass fibers. Insulation installers may be exposed to high levels of airborne glass fibers, but protective clothing and a suitable respirator can reduce risk to negligible levels.