Download The Findit App

Share Your Posts On These Major Social Networks

Instatag Your Posts to Instagram Facebook + Twitter

News

Fiberglass Insulation Fibers: Advantages and Limitations

OSHA regulates fiberglass particles as a nuisance dust since 1991 and some agencies and states list them as a potential carcinogen.

Tampa, FL 9/23/2011 11:17:41 PM

Fiberglass is a type of fiber primarily composed of glass that is used in a wide variety of applications, and is predominantly used as a residential and commercial thermal insulator. As an insulator, it maintains a resistance to the spread of heat (known as the R-Value), cold and sound in structures, vehicles, aircraft, etc. By trapping pockets of air, it keeps areas warm in the winter and cools in the summer and thereby serves as a excellent way to increase energy conservation all the while maintaining comfort.


Glass has been woven into small amounts of coarse fibers for many centuries, even by the ancient Egyptians, but fiberglass did not exist in its modern (insulation) form until 1932 as a result of an accident. An Owens-Illinois researcher named Dale Kleist was attempting to create a vacuum-tight seal between two glass blocks when a jet of high-pressure air turned a stream of molten glass into fine fibers. He had unintentionally discovered an effective method to produce large amounts of fiberglass particles, a method that he would refine in later years. In the United States, the first commercial production of fiberglass was started by Illinois Glass Company and the Corning glass work in 1939. 


The main sources of fiberglass particles in indoor environments includes, but are not limited to, ceiling tiles, debris from renovation projects, or degradation of HVAC system liners.  These particles are very important from health and hygiene point of view. OSHA regulates fiberglass particles as a nuisance dust since 1991 and some agencies and states list them as a potential carcinogen.  Health implications from these particles may vary depending on the fiber size and type of exposure. Skin/eye irritation, rashes, soreness in nose and throat, asthma like symptoms, upset stomach etc. are some common symptoms due to contact, inhalation and ingestion of relatively larger fiberglass fiber although the smaller fragments  (less than 0.5 micron)  are capable of reaching the lower part of the lungs increasing the chance of adverse health effects. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified some fibers used in fiberglass as possible human carcinogens (cancer causing agents).


Under a microscope, fiberglass appears as a smooth-walled, colorless or slightly pigmented surrounding, entire margin, elongated tube-like structure with varying size ranges, 1 to > 1000 microns. 


Ideally, there should not be any air or surface-borne fiberglass fibers in indoor environments. An independent study taken by EDLab at Pure Air Control Services Inc., utilizing over 10,000 indoor air samples, reveals that 99% of the air and surface samples collected were deemed negative for the presence of fiberglass fiber. Samples deemed positive for these particles indicated that the concentration of fiberglass fiber is greater in surface samples (up to 176 cts/cm2) in comparison to air samples (66 cts/m3).  Additionally, this independent study suggests the concentration of fiberglass fiber in the air should be less than 5 cts/m3 and 4 cts/cm2 in surface samples. 


For more information on ordering your DIY Fiberglass Screen Check (FSC) test kits call 1-800-422-7873 ext 404 or visit the web site at www.IndoorAirTest.com.

You can also contact forensic microscopist Dr. Rajiv Sahay, CIAQP, FIAS, Laboratory Director EDLab at Pure Air Control Services 727-572-4550 ext 301.


About Environmental Diagnostics laboratory (EDLab):

Alan Wozniak founded Pure Air Control Services, Inc in 1984 as a small mechanical contracting firm and has since set the industry standard for indoor environmental quality diagnosis, environmental laboratory and remediation. Pure Air Control Services has serviced more than 600 million square feet of indoor environments in over 10,000 facilities.

The Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDLab) (established in 1992) at Pure Air Control Services (PACS) is an AIHA accredited environmental lab offering complete and comprehensive indoor environmental microbiology laboratory services. They include: microbiology, aerobiology, chemistry, allergen assays and microscopy designed to meet all your indoor air needs. EDLab supports IAQ investigations by assisting with strategic sampling plan development and supplying media collection equipment while performing a wide range of environmental analyses. 

###

More News

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1554371_7081_070314103226.jpg

IAQ Test Kits (DIY), PURE-Steam Coil Cleaning and PURE-Decon Room Treatment Showcased at the Annual FRACCA Conference

This annual event provides an opportunity for licensed contractors throughout the State of Florida to obtain all 14 state-required hours of continuing education over the course of the two-day event.

Released On: 3/8/2014
Views: 4081

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1549763_7081_030314101742.jpg

Free Legionella Webinar: Detection & Identification Workshop

Although this type of bacteria was around before1976, more illness from Legionnaires' disease is being detected now. Due to consumer awareness, added research and technological advances in healthcare Legionnaires disease identification is becomi ...

Released On: 3/4/2014
Views: 3888

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1541368_7081_180214022446.jpg

Why Some High-Performance Buildings Are Failing?

Performance of a building depends on its structured integrity, preventive maintenance, as well as periodical monitoring of the environmental conditions essential for its functionality.

Released On: 2/19/2014
Views: 3913

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1540686_7081_170214032311.jpg

Legionnaire’s – What You Should Know About The Potential Deadly Bacteria

According to Building Operating Management magazine, expert Victor Yu, MD, Professor of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh; Chief, Infectious Disease Section, VA Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, disclosed that “Up to 70% of all buildings greater t ...

Released On: 2/18/2014
Views: 3485

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1521790_7081_220114070900.jpg

Managing of Indoor Environments: Problems and Solutions - IEQ WEBINAR


Released On: 1/22/2014
Views: 3374

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1511240_7081_070114124547.jpg

Save Energy and Improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) with PURE-Steam Deep Coil Cleaning

High efficiency coils are extremely susceptible to blockage from dust accumulation because once lodged deeply within the fins bacteria and mold may initiate growth, which not only compounds the blockage problems but also gives rise to excessive o ...

Released On: 1/8/2014
Views: 6122

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1511232_7081_070114123357.jpg

January is National Radon Action Month

Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Radon is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas produced by the decay of naturally occurring uranium in soil and water.

Released On: 1/8/2014
Views: 3800

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1505340_7081_301213112312.jpg

Why indoor air quality is important to all of us?

World Health Organization (WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality, 2009) concluded that the most important effect is increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms, allergies and asthma, as well as perturbation of the immunological systems

Released On: 12/31/2013
Views: 3818

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1497580_7081_191213014839.jpg

Pure Air Control Services Launches New Interactive Website

The website is a true indoor environmental resource for the private and public sector including consumers, educational facilities e.g. schools, universities, along with city, county state and federal governments, healthcare and the public sector.

Released On: 12/20/2013
Views: 2873

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1491172_7081_101213015934.jpg

Pure Air Control Services Awarded Certification from Doctor Trusted

“We are very proud to have been given the opportunity to display that we are a Doctor Trusted recipient. We will continue as always to help provide our customers with a great products and services,” stated Dr. Rajiv Sahay, environmental analytica ...

Released On: 12/11/2013
Views: 3818

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1486804_7081_041213092709.jpg

IndoorAirTest.com Receives Seal of Approval by Doctor Trusted

IndoorAirtest.com is very proud to have a Doctor Trusted seal of approval displayed on our website, giving our customers more confidence when shopping with us.

Released On: 12/4/2013
Views: 4221

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1441720_7081_011013035144.jpg

PURE-Decon/Sanosil, Reduces Sick Days Caused by Infection


Released On: 10/2/2013
Views: 3168

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1432264_7081_180913092550.jpg

Controlling Asthma & Allergy Triggers Through Source Identification

The assessment of allergens in a house dust sample is an essential step for allergen-avoidance and provides information essential for allergen-reducing measures, in addition to managing the indoor environment from a health and hygiene point of view

Released On: 9/18/2013
Views: 5245

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1394465_7081_310713091424.jpg

Hospitals Get a “Clean Bill of Health” with Innovative IAQ/Energy Solutions

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are infections that patients acquire during the course of receiving healthcare treatment for other conditions.

Released On: 7/31/2013
Views: 4277

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1383403_7081_160713052448.jpg

How Safe is Formaldehyde in our Buildings and Homes?


Released On: 7/17/2013
Views: 4528

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1381447_7081_100713012849.jpg

Commercial Energy Solutions Seminar July 26, 2013


Released On: 7/11/2013
Views: 4601

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1368735_7081_260613123754.jpg

Health Risks Associated With Indoor Microbes

Some common and frequently reported microbes of the indoor environment include, but are not limited to, viruses, bacteria, mycoplasma, mold (fungi), yeast, protozoa, etc.

Released On: 6/26/2013
Views: 5781

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1366510_7081_190613125124.jpg

Aspergillosis: A Cause for Indoor Concerns?

In indoor environments, this fungus can be transported from outside or may propagate on building materials such as cellulose rich sheet rocks, etc. and can generally be isolated from floors, carpets, mattress dust, Heating Ventilation Air Conditi ...

Released On: 6/19/2013
Views: 10336

Load More wait

Map

Pure Air Control, Services, Inc.

Get Directions

Pure Air Control, Services, Inc.

  • 4911 Creekside Drive
    Clearwater, Florida 33760
    United States
  • 1 (800) 422-7873