From a medical point of view, there is on-going debate about whether fiberglass is carcinogenic but most authorities believe that in the doses that are encountered in regular work environments that it probably does not cause lung cancer. Fiberglass is an irritant and can cause irritation to the nose and throat when the particles are inhaled and can sometimes trigger asthma symptoms in persons who already have asthma. Although fiberglass is made of silica, the fibers are generally large enough that they are cleared from the lungs without causing the lung disease silicosis. Usually the fibers clear from the lung within a few weeks.
Personally, I use a good filter mask in that I simply don’t like all the dust. If one grinds fiberglass for a living, or works around a lot of grinding, I would recommend a high quality mask. Even around the garage with the one off projects, a mask is probably a good idea…why take the risk for something you can buy for under $100? The point however is to be educated regarding the risk of exposure.
Here is a link with more information
http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/fiberglass.htm
The short version:
How can fiberglass affect my health?
Health effects from exposure to fiberglass can be different depending on the fiber size and type of exposure. Larger fibers have been found to cause skin, eye and upper respiratory tract irritation. There are other possible health effects:
• A rash can appear when the fibers become embedded in the outer layer of the skin. No long-term health effects should occur from touching fiberglass.
• Eyes may become red and irritated after exposure to fiberglass.
• Soreness in the nose and throat can result when fibers are inhaled. Asthma and bronchitis can be aggravated by exposure to fiberglass.
• Temporary stomach irritation may occur if fibers are swallowed.
Little information is known about the health effects caused by small fibers. Smaller fibers have the ability to reach the lower part of the lungs increasing the chance of adverse health effects.
People who work with fiberglass or who have worn-out duct work lined with fiberglass in their homes or workplace may have long-term exposure to fiberglass. There is no evidence that fiberglass causes cancer in people. Animal studies have shown an increased risk of cancer when fiberglass fibers were implanted in the lung tissue of rats, but these studies are controversial because of how the fibers were implanted. Based on these animal studies, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified some fibers used in fiberglass as possible human carcinogens (cancer causing agents).
How can I reduce my exposure to fiberglass?
You can take steps to reduce your exposure to fibers when working with materials that contain fiberglass:
• Wear loose fitting, long-sleeved clothing and gloves. This will reduce skin contact and irritation.
• Wear a mask over the nose and mouth to prevent breathing in the fibers.
• Wear goggles or safety glasses with side shields to protect the eyes.
• Open a window or a door to increase ventilation and reduce dust levels.
• Use a shop vacuum after wetting the dust and fibers.
Measures can be taken to reduce exposure after a person has come in contact with fiberglass. Eyes should be flushed with water and any area of exposed skin should be washed with soap and warm water to remove fibers. Clothing worn while working with fiberglass should be removed and washed separately from other clothing. The washing machine should be rinsed thoroughly after the exposed clothing has been washed.
m mask from lowes I been using the p100 filters but I'm not sure if there the correct ones can someone point me in the right direction.
