US EPA

3096285 

Journal Article 

Fiberglass. Information You Should Know 

Castillo, JE 

1992 

1 

Professional Safety
ISSN: 0099-0027 

NIOSH/00211367 

37 

11 

29-32 

Potential health hazards associated with fiberglass (14808607) were discussed. Historical uses of and health risk research on fibrous glass were reviewed. It was noted that despite the common nature of fibrous glass and asbestos, fibrous glass presents less of a hazard because it is less likely to break into small fragments capable of reaching the lungs. Production of fibrous glass was described. The characteristics of the human respiratory system were discussed with reference to fibrous dust inhalation. Experimental animal and human studies on the respiratory effects of fibrous glass were presented. Two of ten studies in which fibrous glass samples were implanted into rodent chest cavities produced signs of a reaction. This led to fibrous glass being classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. A large number of epidemiological studies have produced no evidence that occupational exposure to fibrous glass causes lung disease. A few studies found evidence of a slight excess risk for lung diseases and cancer; however, these studies were not controlled for possible asbestos exposure or smoking related effects. A few studies have provided equivocal evidence that fibrous glass may aggravate preexisting conditions such as asthma. Dermal irritative effects are usually associated with fibers having diameters less than 5 microns and lengths greater than 10 microns. Providing respiratory protection against fibrous glass and other nuisance dusts was discussed. The authors conclude that laboratory animal studies have provided conflicting evidence about the respiratory risks of fibrous glass; however, no convincing evidence that occupational exposure to fibrous glass presents a respiratory hazard has yet emerged. Although fibrous glass can irritate the skin, it should be considered safe to use.