Fiberglass is a material composed of glass fibers used widely in manufacturing, but its presence in mattresses is a serious concern. While it serves a practical purpose in preventing fire, the material poses significant health and contamination risks if it escapes the mattress structure. The sharp, microscopic glass shards easily become airborne and settle throughout a home, leading to difficult and costly remediation. Understanding the function of this material and its release mechanisms is key to addressing the hazards.
The Role of Fiberglass in Fire Safety
Fiberglass is incorporated into mattresses as an inexpensive fire barrier to comply with federal flammability standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission mandates that all mattresses sold in the United States must meet stringent open-flame resistance requirements (16 CFR Part 1633). This standard requires a mattress to prevent a fire from escalating beyond a certain heat release rate for a set duration, giving occupants time to escape.
When exposed to a flame, fiberglass melts and forms a dense, non-combustible char layer instead of burning. This layer acts as a thermal shield, smothering the fire and preventing it from reaching internal materials like polyurethane foams. Manufacturers favor fiberglass because it is significantly cheaper than alternative fire-resistant materials like wool, hydrated silica, or plant-based rayon barriers.
Mechanisms of Fiberglass Release
The risk of exposure begins when the protective layer encasing the fiberglass fibers is compromised, allowing the microscopic shards to escape. The most common trigger is the removal of the outer mattress cover, often mistakenly unzipped for washing. Many mattresses contain a fire-retardant sock or inner cover woven with fiberglass, and the outer zippered cover is the only layer designed to contain them.
Damage to the mattress is another frequent mechanism of release, where tears, holes, or heavy wear on the outer fabric allow the fibers to sift out. The fibers are extremely fine and light, making them easily aerosolized with minor movement or airflow. Once released, the fibers behave like an invisible dust that can migrate far beyond the immediate sleeping area.
Health Effects and Home Contamination
Health Effects of Exposure
Exposure to fiberglass fibers causes irritation because the sharp, pointed shards physically embed themselves into skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. On the skin, contact leads to mechanical irritation known as contact dermatitis, resulting in intense itching, redness, and a rash. This discomfort can be persistent because the fibers are difficult to remove completely from the skin.
If inhaled, the microscopic glass shards irritate the respiratory system, causing a sore throat, coughing, and inflammation of the airways. For individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma or bronchitis, inhaling these particles can significantly aggravate their symptoms. Exposure can also cause eye irritation, leading to redness and a gritty sensation.
Home Contamination and Remediation
Once released, fiberglass contamination can spread rapidly throughout the entire home, creating an expensive and widespread problem. The tiny fibers are easily carried on clothing, pets, and through the home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. This distribution means contamination is not limited to the bedroom but can settle on surfaces, furniture, and carpeting in every room.
Remediation often requires the professional cleaning of HVAC ductwork, the discarding of contaminated upholstered items and clothing, and specialized cleaning of all surfaces. This specialized cleaning can cost thousands of dollars.
Immediate Cleanup and Safe Replacement
Immediate Cleanup Steps
If fiberglass release is suspected, the first step is to contain the source of the contamination. The damaged mattress should be carefully covered in heavy-duty plastic sheeting or a mattress encasement and sealed with strong tape before removal. Avoid attempting to vacuum the contaminated area with a standard vacuum cleaner, as this will blow the microscopic fibers into the air and spread contamination further.
For cleaning surfaces, a sealed HEPA-filter vacuum is necessary to capture the fine particles. Hard surfaces should then be wiped down using wet cloths and mild soap to trap any remaining shards. For widespread contamination, or if the HVAC system is involved, professional remediation services specializing in hazardous material cleanup should be contracted.
Choosing a Safe Replacement
When purchasing a new mattress, consumers should look for explicit labeling that states the product is fiberglass-free, avoiding vague terms like “glass wool” or “glass fiber.” Safe and effective fire barriers are available and include natural materials such as wool, which is naturally flame-resistant, or barriers made from hydrated silica or thistle pulp. Checking the mattress law label and manufacturer’s website for confirmation of the fire barrier material is the best way to ensure a safe replacement.