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Originally Posted by Weasel9992  That's always kinda my point in these threads. There are *so* many more dangerous things around to worry about...but I have to say, this is the best thread thus far on the topic. Having a couple of medical professionals hashing it out is great. I don't understand half of it, but keep it up anyway!
Frank |
Well I did a bit of looking around, and here's the fundamental point about fiberglass that makes it 'safe' vs. something like asbestos:
Asbestos was lethal because it accumulated and stayed in your lungs permanently, scarring them and acting carcinogenic for life. However, your body is fully capable of breaking down any stray fiberglass (and presumably rockwool as well) you breathe. It simply dissolves.
It appears everyone has different tolerance for the fibers, and thus factories have 'recommended exposure limits' but so long as the exposure is within the capacity of your body to break it down (which appears quite high), it is safe.
The only studies that have shown serious risks like cancer have been in animals involving levels no living human could possibly encounter. There are anecdotal stories of people having severe 'allergy-type' reactions, but they generally seem to be rare massive disasters/accidents or where symptoms were ignored over time. In those cases, people's lungs/skin can become 'hypersensitized' from the constant irritation. That can become a serious issue, but it takes a pretty major amount for months to years to do it, and you'd know beyond a doubt if it was bothering you that much.
When friends/family/clients/you unwittingly spend time in your studio, do they/you get itchy? Do they/you tend to sneeze or cough? If so, you might want to re-wrap your panel.
But if you did a decent job putting them together, you probably have more a lot more to worry about from that big mac, beer belly, or lack of exercise.
Some people smoke and drink till they're 100. Others eat a peanut, swell up, and die. Who knows. But fiberglass is, imo, not going to kill any of us.
My first panels were 703 in poly batting in muslin. I am certain the batting kept all fibers in. My current ones are roxul in ready bags. I am less certain of those, and I think some invisible sized dust may be capable of going through when they are moved around. Either way, I've never noticed a problem with either at my place. But if anyone has any 'dangers of fiberglass' links or experiences to the contrary, I'd be interested.
