Health and safety aspects of fiber glass

Abstract

Fiber glass (FG) is used for insulation, filtration, and reinforcements. Because FG can release respirable fibers during manufacture and handling, respiratory health in the FG workplace has been the focus of numerous studies. Ongoing epidemiology studies of fiber glass workers find no consistent evidence of a causal relationship between human health effects and fiber glass exposure. However, in 1987, IARC designated fiber glass a "possible carcinogen." A 1988-98 series of rodent fiber inhalation studies evaluated the respiratory effects of 15 different inorganic fibers (including 4 FGs). The studies showed a strong relationship between toxicity and biopersistence-fibers that cleared from the lung quickly were innocuous and those that showed little/no clearance induced permanent effects. Thus, fiber biopersistence tests in rats are now accepted in Europe and recognized in the US as valid indicators of potential chronic toxicity. Furthermore, regulatory agencies in Europe and the United States encourage the use of nonbiopersistent FG formulations where possible.