Fiberglass is a material composed of extremely fine glass fibers, which are used widely in home construction and repair, most notably as insulation. Disturbance of this material, particularly during renovation or installation, can release microscopic fragments into the air. These minute shards then settle on nearby surfaces, including clothing.
How to Visually Identify Fiberglass on Fabric
The fibers are often too small to be seen clearly with the naked eye, making the contamination difficult to spot without assistance. Fiberglass particles generally appear as tiny, clear, or white needle-like shards when viewed up close. Because they are glass, they possess a distinct, prismatic quality that allows them to catch the light.
To confirm their presence, you must use a magnifying device, such as a magnifying glass or a smartphone camera’s zoom function. Under magnification, the fibers resemble sharp, rod-like pieces of broken glass.
These fibers tend to embed themselves within the weave of the textile, rather than simply resting loosely on the surface. They can also manifest as a fine, light-colored, or yellowish dust depending on the material they came from.
Understanding the Irritation Caused by Fiberglass Particles
The discomfort experienced from fiberglass is a result of mechanical irritation, caused by the sharp, needle-like glass shards penetrating the outer layer of the skin. This physical penetration leads to a condition often called “fiberglass itch” or contact dermatitis.
Common symptoms of exposure include persistent itching, redness, and a rash that may look like a patch of small bumps or dry, flaky skin. Scratching should be avoided because this action can push the fragile fibers deeper into the dermis, increasing the irritation and making removal more difficult.
If skin exposure occurs, immediate first aid involves gently rinsing the area with cool water, as this can help close the pores and prevent deeper penetration. The fibers can then often be removed from the skin using the “tape method,” which involves gently pressing a piece of duct or packing tape onto the skin and carefully peeling it away to lift the embedded particles. If irritation is severe or involves the eyes or respiratory tract, medical attention may be necessary.
Step-by-Step Guide for Decontaminating Clothing
You should put on protective gloves before touching the garments and immediately isolate the clothing by placing it in a separate plastic bag or basin. Avoiding aggressive movement, such as shaking, is important to keep the microscopic fibers from becoming airborne and settling elsewhere.
Initial removal should be performed outside by gently shaking the clothing to dislodge any loose, superficial particles. A sticky lint roller or duct tape can then be used to pat down the fabric, picking up any remaining surface fibers before washing. Any tools used in this process, like the tape or lint roller sheets, must be sealed in a plastic bag and disposed of immediately.
Contaminated garments must be laundered separately from all other items to prevent cross-contamination. Use a heavy-duty liquid detergent and select a cycle with an extra rinse option to ensure maximum fiber removal.
Washing Instructions
- Set the washing machine to a cold water setting, as warm or hot water can cause the fibers to penetrate the fabric more deeply.
- Adding a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle can help loosen the fibers from the fabric weave.
- Avoid using a machine dryer after the wash cycle, since the high heat can bake any remaining fiberglass fragments into the material.
- Air-dry the clothing outside or in a well-ventilated area.
To prevent the transfer of fibers to the next load of laundry, clean the washing machine itself. Running an empty hot water cycle with a cup of white vinegar or a machine cleaner will help flush out any lingering fiberglass particles. Wiping down the drum and surfaces with a damp cloth can also help capture any residue.