Fiberglass is composed of extremely fine glass fibers, commonly used for thermal insulation and reinforcement. These microscopic shards easily transfer onto clothing, causing intense itching and a prickling sensation upon skin exposure. Understanding how to identify this contamination and take appropriate action is important for mitigating discomfort and preventing further spread. This guide covers identification, clothing treatment, skin first aid, and environmental cleanup.
Visual Identification of Fiberglass Contamination
Identifying fiberglass contamination on clothing is challenging because the individual fibers are microscopic, typically ranging from 5 to 15 micrometers in diameter. These small glass strands are clear or translucent, making them nearly invisible under normal lighting. When illuminated by a strong, focused light source, such as a flashlight or direct sunlight, they appear as fine, shiny dust or a scattering of glitter.
The fibers often originate from handling common household materials like attic insulation, older mattresses, or ductwork. Transfer occurs when clothing brushes against these materials, embedding the brittle glass shards into the fabric weave. The textile structure holds the fibers tightly, meaning simply shaking the item may not dislodge them.
Concentrate your inspection on areas that made direct contact with the source, such as the shoulders, sleeves, and pants legs. A magnifying glass can help confirm the presence of hair-like, glassy fragments that catch the light with a distinct sparkle. This visual confirmation is usually accompanied by the characteristic prickly sensation felt when the contaminated fabric brushes against skin.
Safe Removal Procedures for Contaminated Clothing
Before washing, remove as many superficial fibers as possible to minimize washing machine contamination. Take the garments outdoors and gently shake them to dislodge loose particles, avoiding vigorous movements that could aerosolize the fibers. Use wide, strong adhesive material, such as heavy-duty packing tape or a high-tack lint roller, to repeatedly press and lift the fibers from the fabric surface.
The clothing must be washed separately from all other laundry after surface cleaning. Use cold water for the wash cycle, as heat can cause the glass fibers to soften and melt, permanently embedding them deeper into the fabric. Adding a gentle detergent and selecting an extra rinse cycle will help flush the dislodged particles away from the clothing and the washer drum.
Do not place the contaminated clothing in a clothes dryer. The high heat will set any remaining fiberglass into the fabric, potentially contaminating the dryer drum and making the garments unusable. Instead, allow the garments to air-dry completely, preferably outdoors or in a well-ventilated area away from living spaces.
After the contaminated load, run an empty wash cycle immediately using hot water and detergent to clean the washing machine drum. This removes residual glass fibers adhered to interior surfaces, preventing transfer to subsequent loads. Inspect the rubber gasket around the door of front-loading machines, as fibers often accumulate there.
First Aid for Skin Exposure
Avoid rubbing or scratching the skin, as friction will break the fibers into smaller pieces and drive them deeper into the epidermis, intensifying irritation. Focus instead on mechanical removal and gentle rinsing to lift the slivers out of the skin pores.
The most effective initial treatment involves using a strong adhesive tape, such as duct tape or packaging tape. Apply the tape lightly to the affected area, press it down gently, and then lift it off quickly to pull the embedded glass filaments out of the pores. Repeat this process across all areas of contact until the prickling sensation begins to subside.
Rinse the affected skin with cool or lukewarm water, ideally using a showerhead with low to moderate pressure. Hot water should be avoided because it causes skin pores to open, potentially allowing fibers to penetrate further. Gently pat the skin dry afterward rather than rubbing it with a towel.
Common symptoms include persistent itching, a mild rash, and a distinct prickly feeling that may persist for several hours. While most cases resolve quickly with home care, seek medical attention if fibers enter sensitive areas like the eyes or mucous membranes. Also, seek medical advice if the rash develops severe swelling, blistering, or persists for more than 24 hours after cleaning.
Environmental Cleanup and Prevention
Cleaning the environment where contamination occurred prevents re-exposure and ongoing transfer of fibers to clothing and skin. Avoid standard household vacuums for cleanup, as their exhaust blows fine particles into the air, aerosolizing the fiberglass. Instead, use a vacuum equipped with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, which is designed to trap microscopic particles effectively.
Hard surfaces, such as floors and countertops, should be cleaned by wiping them down with a damp cloth or mop. This method captures the fibers without releasing them into the air. Seal the used cleaning cloths in a plastic bag and discard them to prevent further spread. Isolate the source material, such as exposed insulation, by covering it with a sealed barrier like heavy plastic sheeting or a tarp.
Preventing future exposure involves understanding risk areas and wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working near them. When accessing attics or handling building materials that contain fiberglass, always wear:
- Long-sleeved shirts and pants
- Gloves
- Protective eyewear
- Disposable paper masks to reduce inhalation of airborne particles