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This document provides information about the role of particle size and lab procedures in the detection of small particles of fiberglass fragments and indoor air quality fiberglass contamination issues in residential and light-commercial buildings.

This article describes risks of inaccuracies in airborne fiberglass and similar particle studies if the forensic analyst fails to use procedures that can detect very small particles & fragments. See Fiberglass Fragment Hazards for basic hazard information, and see Lab Identification of Fiberglass for forensic lab procedural notes about fiberglass particles.

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Sources & Detection of Sub-Micron Sized Fiberglass Fragments in Building Air

Experienced forensic microscopists will almost certainly agree that it is very common to find fiberglass insulation fragments in indoor dust and air samples. Most often analysts recognize and identify large fiber particles - lengths considerably longer than other indoor dust analytes such as mold or pollen.

Large Non-Respirable Fiberglass Insulation Particles

These comparatively large fiberglass particles are typicallyi low enough in frequency and large enough in size that experts will agree that they are unlikely to pose a health risk to building occupants. Indeed manufacturer MSDS sheets indicate that "There are no known health effects from the long term use or contact with nonrespirable continuous filament fibers. As manufactured, PPG glass fibers are nonrespirable. Nonrespirable fibers cannot reach the deep lung because they have a diameter of greater than 3.5 micrometers."[2]

Small, Respirable Fiberglass Insulation Particles

But what about the level of ultra-small [and respirable] fiberglass fragments that might be present in some buildings where insulation has been tramped-on, stomped about, or otherwise damaged and abused? It would appear that "if you don't look for it, you won't find it and you won't report it" is a common problem with certain particles that may be present but not tested-for.

About these small fiberglass fragments, one manufacturer explains:

Chopped, crushed or severely mechanically processed fiber glass may contain a very small amount of respirable fibers that could reach the deep lung. The measured airborne concentration of these respirable fibers in areas where severe processing of fiberglass occurred has been shown to be extremely low and well below the TLV. Repeated or prolonged exposure to respirable glass fibres may cause fibrosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. PPG fiber glass in the form supplied, [italics ours] does not contain respirable fibers.[2]

And we agree that in proper and normal installations that assumption sounds very reasonable. But having inspected several thousand buildings, we have certainly encountered conditions in which insulation has been installed or damaged in a manner risking an increased level of these small fragments.

DJF Opinion: we 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.

We continue to collect field data as well as occupant complaints in buildings for research purposes. To date our field data suggest that there is more fiberglass in residential building air than is recognized. The skin, eye, and respiratory irritant effects of exposure to fiberglass dust and particles has been widely acknowledged and appears, for example, in the MSDS for various fiberglass products. [1][2][3][4][5]

But in our opinion a there is a growing level of concern regarding these fibers, in particular where ultra-small fragments are present.

The microscope photo at left shows indoor dust fragments including skin cells (pink) and fiberglass fragments. These particular fiberglass fragments are large enough to see easily.

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.

What may be the sources of these fiberglass fragments? Here are some examples:

• Improperly-cleaned fiberglass-lined HVAC ducts in which mechanical means was used to "scrub" the duct interior - see Recognizing Fiberglass Duct Insulation for details
• Foot traffic on old building insulation in an attic
• Improper dust control during the blow-in process for a chopped fiberglass insulation retrofit

While the fiberglass industry does not necessarily agree these particles in homes constitute 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 in some buildings and/or work environments.

The health risk of small airborne fiberglass particles is likely to depend on the level in the building, the exposure level of the occupants, and other factors.

Basic Dust Cleanup Advice for Indoor Fiberglass Fragments or other Small 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.

We 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 Dust

It 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.

We 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.

Frequently Asked Questions about Airborne Fiberglass Dust Hazards

Question:

I am preparing to install a HVAC system in my home which has no duct work. One of the contractors wants to use fiberglass duct system. I had already been told by a local energy check business that this would not be wise. Your article has confirmed that advice. Thank you. - Fiona

Reply:

Fiberglass ductwork could be fine for HVAC application provided that it is foil-covered on all sides. What is impossible to clean is ductwork that leaves fiberglass exposed on the duct interior.

Question: where are details about testing & lab procedures for finding fiberglass in building air & dust?

Your headline suggested ways to detect fiberglass particles but the article never touches on it. I'd like to know how to test for it. - Bubba

Reply: also see Lab Identification of Fiberglas

Bubba, your note was helpful and we've clarified the text in several related fiberglass and dust articles. The article above focuses on the role of particle size in the detection of fiberglass in air and dust samples as well as in hazard research.

See Fiberglass Fragment Hazards for basic hazard information, and see Lab Identification of Fiberglass for forensic lab procedural notes about fiberglass particles.

Questions & Answers regarding this article

Questions & answers about forensic laboratory procedures for the detection of airborne fiberglass and similar particles in air & dust samples.

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  Fiberglass Fragment Hazards
  Fiberglass Detection in Building Air

• [1] "Prepared Glass Fiber (Textile and Plastic), PPG Industries, Inc. Raw Material Specification" 06/26/97, rev 11/30/10, Specification Number: CO-1272, R. R. Eustace, Web search 01/03/2011, original source: PPG Technical PPG_Bulletin-Processed Fibers Specs-Revision 7.pdf
• [2] "Fiber Glass, Continuous Filament", [including the products listed below]. PPG Material Safety Data Sheet MSDS, 2/27/2004, Web search 01/03/2011, original source: MSDS TAP Chopped Fiberglass.pdf
  • Chopped strand: ChopVantage®, MaxiChop®, Delta Chop®, Chopped Strands for Nonwovens
    Coated Yarn: Hercuflex® Strand HF and HFO lines
    Direct Draw: Hybon®, TufRov™, Innofiber™ NTY
    Yarn: FiberGlass Yarn, Hybon® RCY, L.E.X.® Yarn, TEXO® Yarn
    Mat: MPM 5 Chopped Strand Mat, Needled Mat for AZDEL, MatVantage II, Texo® HTM
    Roving: Panel Roving for Continuous Laminating, Roving for Pultrusion/Filament Winding, Roving
    for SMC, Hybon® Roving for Spray Up, Hybon® Woven Roving
• [3] "Fibrous Glass Material Safety Data Sheet.", GAF Materials Corporation,1361 Alps Road, Wayne, NJ 07470, Tel: 800 – 766 – 3411, MSDS # 1001, MSDS Date: November 2008. Web search 01/03/2011, original source: Fiberglass_MSDS__1001-309-280-v1.pdf
• [4] "Insulation Overview", Healthy House Institute, Web search 01/03/2011, original source: Insulation_ Insulation Overview - HealthyHouseInstitute.pdf, website: healthyhouseinstitute.com
• [5] "Inspecting Attic Insulation", Washington State University, Extension Energy Program, 2006, Web search 01/03/2011, original source: AHT_Inspection Attic Insulation.pdf

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

• Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
• Environmental Health & Investigation Bibliography - our technical library on indoor air quality inspection, testing, laboratory procedures, forensic microscopy, etc.
• Adkins and Adkins Dictionary of Roman Religion discusses Robigus, the Roman god of crop protection and the legendary progenitor of wheat rust fungus.
• Kansas State University, department of plant pathology, extension plant pathology web page on wheat rust fungus: see http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/path-ext/factSheets/Wheat/Wheat%20Leaf%20Rust.asp
• "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home", U.S. Environmental Protection Agency US EPA - includes basic advice for building owners, occupants, and mold cleanup operations. See http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.htm
• US EPA - Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Building [ copy on file as /sickhouse/EPA_Mold_Remediation_in_Schools.pdf ] - US EPA
• US EPA - Una Breva Guia a Moho - Hongo [on file as /sickhouse/EPA_Moho_Guia_sp.pdf - - en Espanol

Fiberglass in buildings: hazards, testing, cleanup, prevention: references & products

For more information about fiberglass as an indoor air quality concern see:

• Asbestos: How to find and recognize asbestos in buildings - visual inspection methods, list of common asbestos-containing materials (Asbestos is not fiberglass and vice versa).
• BASEMENT MOLD includes examples of moldy fiberglass insulation found in basements
• CRAWLSPACE MOLD includes additional examples of moldy fiberglass insulation found in crawl spaces
• Duct System Defects
• Fiberglass in Indoor Air, HVAC ducts, and Building Insulation, Indoor Air Quality Investigations, building insulation and HVAC duct work insulation hazards
• FIBERGLASS HAZARDS
• Fiberglass Particle Identification in the Fiberglass Test Laboratory
• Fiberglass References - Government Agencies & Authorities list of public documents on fiberglass
• Goodman Gray Flex Duct Deterioration and Failures
• INSULATION INSPECTION & IMPROVEMENT
• Insulation Identification Photographs - Fiberglass insulation photos, yellow, pink, green, white fiberglass identification in building attics, walls, ducts, other locations
• Insulation Identification Photographs - Cellulose insulation photos, Mineral wool insulation photos, rock wool insulation photos, cotton insulation photos, balsam wool insulation photos
• Insulation Identification Photographs - Vermiculite insulation photos
• Lab Identification of Fiberglass photographs and text assist in laboratory identification of fiberglass fibers and fragments in air, dust, or material samples in the laboratory using forensic microscopic techniques.
• Mold in Fiberglass building insulation, when, why, and how fiberglass becomes a reservoir of problem mold in buildings.
• AIR FILTERS, OPTIMUM INDOOR
• Owens Corning Flex Duct Deterioration and Failures
• World Trade Center Dust Particle Identification
• Fiberglass carcinogenicity: "Glass Wool Fibers Expert Panel Report, Part B - Recommendation for Listing Status for Glass Wool Fibers and Scientific Justification for the Recommendation", The Report on Carcinogens (RoC) expert panel for glass wool fibers exposures met at the Sheraton Chapel Hill Hotel, Chapel Hill, North Carolina on June 9-10, 2009, to peer review the draft background document on glass wool fibers exposures and make a recommendation for listing status in the 12th Edition of the RoC. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is one of the National Institutes of Health within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The National Toxicology Program is headquartered on the NIEHS campus in Research Triangle Park, NC. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is one of the National Institutes of Health within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The National Toxicology Program is headquartered on the NIEHS campus in Research Triangle Park, NC.
  Following a discussion of the body of knowledge, the expert panel reviewed the RoC listing criteria and made its recommendation. The expert panel recommended by a vote of 8 yes/0 no that glass wool fibers, with the exception of special fibers of concern (characterized physically below), should not be classified either as known to be a human carcinogen or reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. The expert panel also recommended by a vote of 7 yes/0 no/1 abstention, based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in well-conducted animal inhalation studies, that special-purpose glass fibers with the physical characteristics as follows longer, thinner, less soluble fibers (for 1 example, > 15 μm length with a kdis of < 100 ng/cm2/h) are reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen for the listing status in the RoC. The major considerations discussed that led the panel to its recommendation include the observations of tumors in multiple species of animals (rats and hamsters). Both inhalation and intraperitoneal routes of exposure produced tumors, although inhalation was considered more relevant for humans.
• Fiberglass insulation mold: occurrence of mold contamination in fiberglass insulation can be impossible to see with the naked eye, but can be significant
• World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer - IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans - VOL 81 Man-Made Vitreous Fibers, 2002, IARCPress, Lyon France, pi-ii-cover-isbn.qxd 06/12/02 14:15 Page i - World Health Organization, 1/21/1998. - Fiberglass insulation is an example of what IARC refers to as man made vitreous fiber - inorganic fibers made primarily from glass, rock, minerals, slag, and processed inorganic oxides. This article provides enormous detail about fiberglass and other vitreous fibers, and includes fiberglass exposure data.
• http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol81/mono81.pdf - the article (large PDF over 6MB)
  http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol81/mono81-6A.pdf - article details
  http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol81/mono81-6C.pdf - studies of cancer in experimental animals in re vitreous fibers such as fiberglass;
  http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol81/mono81-6E.pdf - summary of data reported & evaluation
  http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol81/mono81-6F.pdf for the article references
  To search the IARC monographs on various environmental concerns and carcinogens, use http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/PDFs/index.php
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