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FIBERGLASS HAZARDS Recognizing Fiberglass Insulation Recognizing Fiberglass Duct Insulation Lab Identification of Fiberglass Fiberglass Fragment Hazards Fiberglass Detection in Building Air Mold in Fiberglass Insulation Mold in Foam Insulation Actual mold growth in insulation Moldy insulation may look clean Why does mold grow in fiberglass? When to test insulation for mold Fiberglass Hazard References INSULATION INSPECTIONS DUCT SYSTEM DEFECTS More Information InspectAPedia TM Home & Site Map Air Conditioning InspectAPedia Bookstore Electrical Environment Exteriors Heating Home Inspection Insulate Ventilate Interiors Mold Inspect/Test Plumbing Water Septic Roofing Structure Accuracy & Bias Pledge Contact Us |
This document provides information about the detection of small particles of fiberglass fragments and indoor air quality fiberglass contamination issues in residential and light-commercial buildings. © Copyright 2008 Daniel Friedman, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use links at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website. Sources & Detection of Sub-Micron Sized Fiberglass Fragments in Building AirDJF Opinion: I frequently find fiberglass fragments in indoor air samples, particularly where fiberglass HVAC duct material are in a building and where fiberglass insulation has been left exposed in a living or occupied area (such as in the ceiling above an unfinished basement being used as an office or family play area). If someone has attempted to mechanically "clean" HVAC duct work which was lined with fiberglass insulation, it is likely that I'll find a higher presence of fiberglass fragments in indoor air and in settled dust. I am continuing to collect field data as well as occupant complaints in buildings for research purposes. To date my field data suggest that there is more fiberglass in residential building air than is recognized. In my opinion a there is a growing level of concern regarding these fibers.
DJF Opinion: Frequent presence of fiberglass fragments in air and some dust samples, suggests that an HVAC duct system or exposed fiberglass insulation in the building may be contributing unwanted and potentially unsafe levels of these fibers. While the fiberglass industry does not agree that this is a hazard, independent studies and warnings at US government health-related websites suggest that there may be carcinogenic or respiratory health hazards from exposure to high levels of fiberglass particles. If we find frequent presence of fiberglass fibers in air or interior dust samples further investigation, cleaning, and particularly investigation of air handling equipment and duct systems in the building would be appropriate. If fiberglass HVAC duct work has been installed I very often find significant fiberglass levels in interior air and dust samples. Because these materials cannot be mechanically cleaned and because I do not recommend encapsulant sprays, replacement could be in order. I would not expect and do not usually find evidence of movement of significant levels of fiberglass fragments from insulated attics, nor from enclosed (finished) walls, ceilings into living areas under normal conditions. Prudent Avoidance of Fiberglass Insulation DustIt is possible that small fiberglass particles in air may constitute a meaningful health risk (obviously depending on the overall exposure level) which has not been explored. I suggest that that prudent avoidance would be appropriate. Improper cleaning or treatment of fiberglass ducts with biocides may in fact increase rather than decrease indoor air quality problems in a building, particularly if occupants have other respiratory or pulmonary concerns/vulnerabilities. Use links just below or at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website. | |
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FIBERGLASS HAZARDS Recognizing Fiberglass Insulation Recognizing Fiberglass Duct Insulation Lab Identification of Fiberglass Fiberglass Fragment Hazards Fiberglass Detection in Building Air Mold in Fiberglass Insulation Mold in Foam Insulation Actual mold growth in insulation Moldy insulation may look clean Why does mold grow in fiberglass? When to test insulation for mold Fiberglass Hazard References INSULATION INSPECTIONS DUCT SYSTEM DEFECTS More Information InspectAPedia TM Home & Site Map Air Conditioning InspectAPedia Bookstore Electrical Environment Exteriors Heating Home Inspection Insulate Ventilate Interiors Mold Inspect/Test Plumbing Water Septic Roofing Structure Accuracy & Bias Pledge Contact Us |
More Information on Fiberglass Hazards, Fiberglass Particles, Airborne Fiberglass Dust, Mold in Fiberglass Insulation,Contaminants, and Indoor Air Quality Investigations, Building Diagnostic Inspections, and Building RepairsFor more information about fiberglass as an indoor air quality concern see:
Note: "DJF Opinion" in this document identifies comments based on my experience and/or field and empirical data but which I do not cite as authoritative.
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Contact Daniel Friedman05/07/2008 - 10/01/1997 - www.inspect-ny.com/sickhouse/Fiberglass-in-Air2.htm - Created 1 Jan 97 - Web page design & content © Copyright 2008-1997 Daniel Friedman all rights reserved.