Fiberglass insulation is a commonly used building material composed of fine glass fibers bound together with a polymer binder. These microscopic fibers can become airborne or directly contact the skin, eyes, and respiratory passages. Contact causes mechanical irritation, manifesting as itching, redness, and coughing, requiring physical barriers and proper handling protocols during installation or removal.
Essential Personal Protective Equipment
The greatest hazard involves inhaling the microscopic fibers, requiring specialized respiratory protection beyond a typical dust mask. A standard surgical mask is ineffective because its loose fit and material cannot filter the extremely fine particulate matter generated by fiberglass disturbance. Individuals must use at least an N95 filtering facepiece respirator, which is rated to block 95% of airborne particles.
For heavier exposure or prolonged work, a P100 respirator cartridge is a better choice, offering maximum filtration efficiency against all particulates. Achieving a proper seal is necessary, requiring the wearer to check for air leakage around the edges by gently inhaling and ensuring the mask pulls inward slightly. Facial hair can compromise this seal, making fit-testing or clean-shaven skin a requirement for full protection.
Skin exposure must be mitigated by wearing a full physical barrier from head to toe, ideally utilizing disposable coveralls. These suits prevent fibers from becoming lodged in personal clothing, which can lead to prolonged irritation. To ensure maximum fiber exclusion, the cuffs and ankles of the coveralls should be sealed with duct tape over the gloves and work boots.
Heavy-duty work gloves, such as leather or thick nitrile, are recommended to protect the hands from direct contact and abrasion. A cap or full hood covering the hair is necessary to prevent fibers from settling on the scalp and transferring to the face. Eyes require protection from fine particles, meaning safety glasses are insufficient due to gaps around the frame.
Instead of glasses, sealed goggles must be worn, offering a full perimeter barrier to prevent fibers from entering the eye area. The combination of sealed goggles and an appropriately fitted respirator ensures the eyes, nose, and mouth are fully shielded from airborne irritants.
Controlling the Work Environment
Before work begins, steps should be taken to minimize the concentration of airborne fibers. The work area should be isolated from the rest of the dwelling by sealing doorways, vents, and openings with plastic sheeting secured by duct tape. This barrier prevents fiberglass dust from migrating into uncontaminated living spaces and simplifies cleanup.
Proper ventilation is needed to manage air quality within the isolated space without recirculating contaminated air inside the home. This involves using a fan placed in a window or doorway to exhaust air directly outside, creating negative air pressure in the work zone. The exhaust fan must be positioned to blow air away from occupied areas and into an open space.
During removal or installation, the material should be handled gently to minimize the mechanical agitation that releases fine fibers. Tearing or dropping large pieces of insulation should be avoided in favor of careful cutting and folding. Reducing the physical disturbance of the material translates to fewer airborne fibers requiring filtration.
For excessively dusty or old material, a light misting of water can help suppress fiber release by binding the dust particles together. This method should be used cautiously, as soaking new insulation can compromise its thermal performance and add unnecessary weight. The goal is surface dampness to suppress dust, not saturation.
Safe Cleanup and Decontamination
Once the work is complete, disposal of contaminated materials must be executed safely to prevent re-releasing the fibers. Insulation scraps, dust, and disposable personal protective equipment must be placed into heavy-duty plastic bags. Double-bagging is recommended to ensure no sharp fibers puncture the container during handling and transport.
Cleaning the work area requires specific methods, as standard household vacuums are unsuitable because they lack proper filtration and will blow fine fiberglass particles back into the air. Instead, a vacuum equipped with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter should be used to capture the microscopic fibers effectively. If a HEPA vacuum is unavailable, surfaces should be cleaned using a damp cloth or mop, which traps the fibers.
After the work environment is addressed, personal decontamination must occur before entering clean areas of the home. The contaminated disposable coveralls and any tape should be removed in the work area and immediately bagged for disposal. Before showering, work clothes intended for laundering should be removed and placed into a separate bag or container.
When showering, use cold or lukewarm water first to encourage skin pores to close, which helps prevent embedded fibers from penetrating deeper into the skin. The goal is to rinse the fibers away gently rather than scrubbing vigorously, as aggressive rubbing can push the glass filaments further into the skin, intensifying irritation. Contaminated work clothing should be washed separately from other laundry items to prevent cross-contamination.