Fiberglass is made up of microscopic molten glass fibers. The fibers that make up this material can split, leaving sharp edges, just like any other form of glass, mandating the need for fiberglass protection. Fiberglass shards that find their way onto your skin can cause minor cuts as well as excruciating itching. When working with fiberglass insulation, the only way to prevent cuts and itches is to wear fiberglass protective clothing.

Skin Irritation

When handling fiberglass insulation, steps need to be taken to prevent injuries and irritations, such as fiberglass in eyes or accidentally inhaling it. Even though the glass fibers are tiny, they are capable of causing wounds on a microscopic level. Like any broken piece of glass, these tiny fragments can penetrate skin and slash into cellular tissues, necessitating the need for fiberglass protection for the skin. Since the wound is minor, no bleeding occurs, and the consequences aren’t life-threatening.

However, in some cases, the resulting skin irritation can pose a significant risk. The brain receives pain signals from the skin’s nerves, which are interpreted as itchy sensations. Itching from fiberglass penetration can be excruciating, and in some cases, it can lead to rashes or widespread skin allergy symptoms. 

When working with fiberglass insulation, safety and aftercare measures need to be taken into consideration. You can remove a fiberglass fragment in a variety of ways. Try tightly applying a piece of duct tape to the skin where the fiberglass is if they aren’t too embedded. Hold the tape tightly in place for a few minutes, then slowly remove it. Alternatively, with decent lighting, you can try to remove the splinters with tweezers.

Vinegar is a natural, non-toxic alternative to harsh chemicals that can help dissolve a fiberglass splinter. Taking a hot shower first and then rinsing the region with vinegar is the safest way to remove fiberglass fibers. Then, to eliminate the vinegar’s taste, rinse with cold water once more.

Take an antihistamine if you have a severe reaction to fiberglass. Antihistamines can help relieve itching and skin discomfort when you have a strong reaction to fiberglass. 

Respiratory Issues

While working with insulation, it’s possible for fiberglass particles in the air may become deeply trapped in the lungs, causing severe illnesses such as asthma. When fibers are inhaled, they can cause soreness in the nose and throat and potentially lead to bronchitis. If fibers are swallowed, they can cause temporary stomach discomfort.

Fibers inhaled can be expelled from the body by sneezing or coughing, as well as the body’s natural defense mechanisms.

Personal Protective Equipment

Head

When dealing with fiberglass, wear a hat or a hood to keep the itchy little fibers out of your hair. If you’re insulating areas taller than head-height, fiberglass protection headwear is particularly necessary. Any hat will suffice as long as it is secure on your head and does not obstruct your view.

Face

Since tiny glass fibers can irritate your eyes and lungs, eye protection and a dust mask are the most important protective equipment you can wear. Choose a pair of big protective goggles that fit snugly over your eyes and around the sides. When dealing with fiberglass, you don’t need a heavy-duty filtration mask. A basic dust mask, which can be purchased at any hardware or home improvement shop, should be sufficient to prevent fiberglass particles from being inhaled.

Body

It’s incredibly easy to get fiberglass on clothes. To mitigate chances of irritation, wear a disposable coverall to shield your clothes because it’s extremely difficult to get glass fibers out of material once they’ve been embedded. For added protection, layer your coverall with long sleeves and long pants. 

Hands

Gloves are also a necessary article of clothing for fiberglass protection. Wear gardening gloves or lightweight work gloves to shield your hands from tiny fibers.  

If you take a brief break, wash your hands thoroughly whether or not you are wearing gloves while dealing with fiberglass. This will help you avoid transferring fiberglass fibers to your skin, hair, or anything else you may come into contact with.

Fiberglass in Clothes

Fiberglass in clothes can be incredibly difficult to remove. To safely clean articles of clothing, remove the clothes outside or in an environment where the particles won’t shake off into other fabrics after completing a job or a workday where you were exposed to fiberglass.

When removing clothing, keep it apart from other garments or furnishings, or the fibers will spread. It might be preferable to simply throw the clothing into an empty washing machine and wash it separately rather than combining it with other pieces.

Let Plastic Materials Answer Your Questions Fiberglass

Plastic Materials helps business people, artists, and hobbyists with these products and knows how to succeed when using resins, epoxies, and fiberglass. If you have further questions regarding fiberglass protection, we can help you. Contact us today!