For over a hundred years, fiberglass insulation has been one of the most commonly used materials in pole barns, metal buildings, and residential buildings. It also has its niche in commercial buildings due to its ease of installation, fire resistance, affordability, and the fact that it effectively reduces heat transfer. Yet, there is a downside to every insulation type. Regarding fiberglass insulation, it is a fact that it can cause skin irritation and potential health concerns; one should take precautions when installing it.
I recently had a middle-aged lady tell me about a very uncomfortable itching experience she had as a teenager, installing fiberglass insulation in a metal building. If you’ve ever worked with or around fiberglass insulation, I don’t have to tell you about the itchy, uncomfortable feeling that follows if you didn’t properly wear protective clothing. Anyone who thinks I’m exaggerating hasn’t installed fiberglass insulation without proper protective gear. It is a mistake you will only make once! In this blog post, I’ll do my best to cover why the small materials that make up fiberglass affect the skin, possible harmful effects, and the proper steps to stay safe when installing.
Description of Fiberglass Insulation
Let’s start by describing what Fiberglass insulation is: It is made from extremely fine strands of glass that are spun into fibers. These fibers are molded into batts, rolls, or loose-fill insulation. It is these fine strands of fiberglass that create countless tiny air pockets. It is these air pockets that help slow the movement of heat, which in turn gives you an effective pole barn insulation thermal barrier.
That’s the productive stuff the glass fibers do; however, they are also the source of irritation and potential health risks.
What Causes Fiberglass to Irritate the Skin
One can say that it is a good thing that the primary reason fiberglass causes skin irritation is physical, not chemical. However, that doesn’t do much for someone suffering from ailments caused by fiberglass. The glass fibers are microscopic and sharp, capable of puncturing the skin. When you handle or are around fiberglass insulation being installed, the tiny shards can lodge in your skin. This is what causes the itchiness, redness, rashes, and sometimes a burning sensation.
Specifically, What Is Affecting You:
- Microabrasions are caused by the fiberglass fibers physically poking or scraping your skin. This will lead to a histamine response (which just happens to be the same chemical responsible for itchiness in allergic reactions).
- Since fiberglass, by nature, is dry and light, the particles can easily cling to skin, clothing, and hair. Once attached, they are difficult to wash off without proper care.
How to Protect Oneself from Fiberglass Skin Irritation
Some of the previous information may have alarmed you; however, it is better to be safe than sorry. Here are a few ways to protect yourself if you find yourself working with fiberglass
- Put on Protective Clothing: It is best to have on long sleeves, pants, gloves, and a hat to minimize direct contact. If at all possible, use disposable coveralls.
- Respirator or at least a Dust Mask: Make sure you select a Mask or Respirator specifically designed for fiberglass.
- Goggles: Protect your eyes from airborne fibers.
- Ideally, keep areas well-ventilated. The more airflow, the more the fibers can be dispersed.
- Remove clothes as soon as possible and take a shower. If you don’t want the fibers spreading into your home or car, take this step.
Charting the Irritating type of Fiberglass
Older Loose-Fill Fiberglass Insulation is the most Irritating
- Be aware that old configurations usually use shorter, morebrittle glass fibers. These fibers break more easily and can spread widely, becoming airborne. Obviously, these microscopic, sharp particles tend to irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
Unfaced Fiberglass Batts
- If your insulation is unfaced, it doesn’t have a vapor barrier or protective cover, so the fibers are fully exposed.
Fiberglass that is Blown-in
- Like loose-fill, the tiny fibers easily become airborne.
Causes Modest Irritation -Vinyl Faced Fiberglass Insulation
Even though it still contains irritating fibers, the Vinyl Faced Fiberglass Insulation acts as a protective barrier during handling. However, cutting the insulation can still release some irritating fibers
Causes Very Little Irritation (Modern Fabricating Facilities)
- With new technology, manufacturers are able to produce longer, more flexible fibers that break less. In turn, they are less likely to become airborne or enter your skin. These firms label this insulation as “low-dust” or “low-itch.” WMP-VR-R (plus) would be a good example of this.
Wrapped Insulation
- When insulation is wrapped, it prevents direct contact with the fibers. This will significantly reduce the risk of irritation during installation. Most metal building insulation applications utilize a vapor barrier facing.
Ideally, you should look for modern, eco-conscious fiberglass insulation manufacturers. These outlets often have “Low Itch or Formaldehyde-free insulation which reduces skin and respiratory irritation. Simply look for the label indicating this.
Fiberglass insulation remains the #1 insulation source for DIY projects because of its cost-efficiency, thermal-efficiency, and ease of installation. However, there are some drawbacks:
If you do not adequately protect yourself, fiberglass insulation can cause Skin irritation, respiratory issues, and eye discomfort. So, follow the advice listed above, and these simple steps will allow you to gain all the benefits from Fiberglass Insulation.
Types of Reinforced Fiberglass Facings
Calculate a Vinyl faced Fiberglass Insulation Price in Seconds
