Fiberglass is a common material composed of extremely fine glass fibers used in insulation, roofing, and plastic reinforcement. Exposure occurs when this material is disturbed, releasing microscopic shards into the air during construction or renovation. These airborne particles penetrate the respiratory tract, causing mechanical irritation to the nose, throat, and lungs. Knowing the immediate steps to clear these fibers and when to seek medical help is crucial for managing acute exposure.
Immediate Steps for Managing Exposure
Following fiberglass inhalation, immediately move yourself and the affected individual from the contaminated environment into fresh air. This cessation of exposure minimizes the amount of fiber particles entering the respiratory system.
Clothing worn during exposure should be removed carefully to avoid shaking fibers into the air or pressing them deeper into the skin. Contaminated items must be placed into a sealed bag and laundered separately. The washing machine should be rinsed afterward to remove residual fibers.
To address inhaled particles, thoroughly rinse the mouth and nasal passages with cool water. This washes away fibers trapped in the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. Avoid rubbing or aggressively wiping the eyes or face, as this can embed the sharp glass fibers into the delicate tissues.
If the eyes were exposed, flush them continuously with running water or a sterile eyewash solution for at least 15 minutes to clear particles. Most temporary irritation to the nose, throat, and eyes subsides once the fibers are removed and exposure has ended.
Recognizing Severe Symptoms and Needing Medical Care
Most acute fiberglass inhalation results in temporary upper airway irritation, such as a mild cough, sneezing, or sore throat, which resolves quickly after fiber removal. However, certain symptoms indicate a severe reaction requiring immediate professional evaluation. Persistent or severe shortness of breath, chest tightening, or new-onset wheezing should be treated as a medical emergency.
Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic bronchitis, are at a higher risk for serious complications. Any worsening of their baseline symptoms after exposure warrants urgent medical attention. If a cough becomes persistent, severe, or is accompanied by chest pain, it suggests fibers may have reached the lower airways.
While most fibers are trapped and cleared by the body’s natural defense mechanisms, deep or prolonged exposure can lead to inflammation that requires specialized treatment. The decision to seek care should be made quickly if irritation does not improve rapidly after first-aid measures or if breathing becomes labored.
Medical Treatment and Recovery
Once a patient is under professional care, medical intervention focuses on supportive treatment and reducing airway inflammation. Initial evaluation involves assessing respiratory function and oxygen saturation to determine the extent of impairment. Oxygen therapy may be administered immediately if the patient is experiencing respiratory distress or low blood oxygen levels.
To manage the inflammation caused by the glass fibers, healthcare providers may prescribe inhaled corticosteroids to reduce swelling in the bronchial tubes. For patients experiencing significant wheezing or bronchospasm, a prescription bronchodilator might be used to relax the muscles in the airways, making breathing easier.
A concern following high-level exposure is the potential for chemical pneumonitis, which is inflammation of the lung tissue. This complication requires close monitoring and may necessitate further treatment with oral or intravenous corticosteroids. While mild irritation resolves quickly (within hours to a few days), significant inflammation or pneumonitis can require weeks of supportive care and follow-up monitoring.