Glass wool
Glass wool is an
Principles of function
Gases possess poor
In order to accomplish the formation of small gas cells in man-made
Manufacturing process
Natural sand and recycled glass are mixed and heated to 1,450 °C, to produce glass. The fiberglass is usually produced by a method similar to making cotton candy. Molten glass is forced through a rapidly spinning metal cup, called a 'spinner'. The centrifugal force pulls the glass through small holes in the spinner. The newly created fibers cool on contact with the air.[5] Cohesion and
Uses
Glass wool is a
Fiberglass batts and blankets
Batts are precut, whereas blankets are available in continuous rolls. Compressing the material reduces its effectiveness. Cutting it to accommodate electrical boxes and other obstructions allows air a free path to cross through the wall cavity. One can install batts in two layers across an unfinished attic floor, perpendicular to each other, for increased effectiveness at preventing
Gaps between batts (bypasses) can become sites of air infiltration or condensation (both of which reduce the effectiveness of the insulation) and require strict attention during the installation. By the same token careful
Health problems
Fiberglass will irritate the eyes, skin, and the respiratory system. Potential symptoms include irritation of eyes, skin, nose, and throat, dyspnea (breathing difficulty), sore throat, hoarseness and cough.[6] Fiberglass used for insulating appliances appears to produce human disease that is similar to asbestosis.[7] Scientific evidence demonstrates that fiberglass is safe to manufacture, install and use when recommended work practices are followed to reduce temporary mechanical irritation.[8] Unfortunately these work practices are not always followed, and fiberglass is often left exposed in basements that later become occupied. Fiberglass insulation should never be left exposed in an occupied area, according to the American Lung Association.
In June 2011, the United States' National Toxicology Program (NTP) removed from its Report on Carcinogens all biosoluble glass wool used in home and building insulation and for non-insulation products.[9] Similarly, California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment ("OEHHA"), in November 2011, published a modification to its Proposition 65 listing to include only "Glass wool fibers (inhalable and biopersistent)."[10] The United States' NTP and California's OEHHA action means that a cancer warning label for biosoluble fiber glass home and building insulation is no longer required under Federal or California law. All fiberglass wools commonly used for thermal and acoustical insulation were reclassified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in October 2001 as Not Classifiable as to carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).[11]
Fiberglass itself is resistant to mold. If mold is found in or on fiberglass it is more likely that the binder is the source of the mold, since binders are often organic and more
See also
- Fibreglass
- Glass fibre
- Mineral wool
References
- ^ US Patent Number 2133235: Method & Apparatus for Making Glass Wool First Slayter glass wool patent, 1933.
- ISBN 9781439873335.
- ISBN 9788120316256.)
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link - ISBN 9781904381204.
- ^ "Fiberglass Spinner". Retrieved 2024-01-17.
- ^ Labor, United States Department of (2005), Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Chemical Sampling Information, CAS Registry Number: 65997-17-3 (Fibrous Glass).
- PMID 1419860.
- ^ North American Insulation Manufacturers Association ("NAIMA"), Insulation Facts #62 "Health and Safety Facts for Fiber Glass", Pub. No. N040, May 2012.
- ^ Department of Health and Human Services (2011), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National toxicology Program, Fact Sheet, "The Report on Carcinogens," June 2011 (PDF), retrieved 2013-02-05
- ^ 46-Z California Regulatory Notice Register, P.1878 (November 18, 2011).
- ^ IARC Press Release, 24 October 2001 (http://www.iarc.fr/en/media-centre/pr/2001/pr137.html Archived 2013-12-19 at the Wayback Machine)
- PMID 13105287.
- ^ Owens Corning (2007), Fiberglass Thermal Batt, Product Data Sheet (PDF), archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-12-24, retrieved 2012-02-23