Should you wear a mask when dealing with fiberglass insulation?
Fiberglass emits a synthetic material known as styrene, which according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a known carcinogen. Does this mean breathing in the air around fiberglass insulation will lead to cancer? Probably not, but it's still a good idea to protect yourself by wearing a dust mask.
What type of mask should you wear when working with insulation?
N95 maskPro tip - The N95 mask is a commonly used respirator in this category, and is rated to filter 95% of particulates from the air. Particulate respirators - Use this type of respirator when working around heavy amounts of dust, dirt and non-toxic vapors, such as when sanding wood or hanging fiberglass insulation.
What to wear working with insulation?
Employees should choose pants and long-sleeve shirts when working with fiberglass, as the fabric helps prevent fiberglass dust from irritating the skin and it helps reduce the risk of fibers becoming embedded in the skin. Disposable protective clothing may be provided by employers.
What PPE is needed for insulation?
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) This includes protective goggles, long pants, socks, boots, long-sleeved shirt and a cap. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA) recommends loose, non-constricting clothing to minimize the risk for direct skin contact with fiberglass particles.
Do you need a mask around insulation?
You might need to wear at least a face mask to protect yourself from breathing insulation particles or dust. If you do opt for a respirator, choose a disposable N95. Safety glasses or goggles might also be necessary.
Is it safe to breathe in fiberglass insulation?
Direct contact with fiberglass or breathing airborne dust containing fiberglass may irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. The symptoms of irritation are often nonspecific, temporary, and may include itching, coughing, or wheezing.
Is it safe to handle insulation?
The major hazard from handling fiberglass insulation is irritation of the skin, eyes and upper respiratory tract from fiberglass dust. This hazard can be minimized by wearing personal protective equipment and handling the insulation in ways that keep fiberglass dust down.
How do you protect yourself from working in fiberglass?
Wear loose fitting, long-sleeved clothing and gloves. This will reduce skin contact and irritation. Wear a mask over the nose and mouth to prevent breathing in the fibers. Wear goggles or safety glasses with side shields to protect the eyes.
Is it safe to touch insulation?
You should not touch the insulation with bare hands. This is because of the potential for exposure to harmful chemicals and dust particles. These chemicals can cause pain and discomfort. For example, you may feel a stinging sensation if you touch fiberglass with bare hands.
What happens if you touch fiberglass insulation?
While touching fiberglass doesn't usually lead to long-term effects on your health, exposure to it may cause intense itching, redness, or a rash. So, it's important to remove fiberglass from your skin as soon as possible so it doesn't come in contact with your eyes, nose, or throat.
What kind of mask do I need for fiberglass?
3M8210 N95 Drywall Sanding Disposable Respirator (20-Pack)
Is P100 good for insulation?
3 Types of Fiberglass Insulation Respirator Masks The other type of respirator is the 3M 6300 fiberglass insulation respirator mask that has attachable respirator pads that you can change out and those pads are P100 pads which are way better for dealing with poor indoor air quality.
How do you protect yourself from fiberglass insulation?
You can take steps to reduce your exposure to fibers when working with materials that contain fiberglass:Wear loose fitting, long-sleeved clothing and gloves. ... Wear a mask over the nose and mouth to prevent breathing in the fibers.Wear goggles or safety glasses with side shields to protect the eyes.More items...