Fiberglass Breathing Danger Effects

Fiberglass has been around since the 1930s. It was first used for insulation, but it is also found in some curtains, roofing material and even plastics. The primary fiber in fiberglass is glass, but it also contains a resin binder that releases formaldehyde and dyes. In recent years, it has been found that contact, particularly inhalation of the small fibers and fumes, can cause health problems.

Throat Irritation

• The binding resin in fiberglass may inflame the soft tissues of your throat if you inhale it. The Department of Health and Human Services reported in 2002 that "vitreous fibers has been associated with acute irritation of the skin, eyes and upper respiratory tract." This inflammation can cause a soreness in your nose and throat and may lead to a lot of coughing as you try and clear your throat of the irritation.

Aggravating Health Problems

• Inhaling fiberglass can aggravate other existing health conditions, like asthma and bronchitis. The irritation of the fiberglass in your throat can trigger an asthma attack or make breathing even harder if you have bronchitis.

Carcinogenic

• Fiberglass may be carcinogenic, though there is still debate about this. The International Agency for Research on Cancer said in 2000 that it wasn’t, according to Acoustic Cotton, but the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Toxicology Program said that fiberglass is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.”