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Fibrous Glass

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Worker cutting fibrous glass insulation material.

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Overview

Fibrous glass is a synthetic fiber made from tiny particles of glass. It can harm the eyes, skin, and the lungs. Workers may be harmed from exposure to fibrous glass. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done.

Fibrous glass is used in many industries. It is used in insulation, roofing shingles, ceiling tiles, textile and fiberglass manufacturing, and weather proofing. Some examples of workers at risk of being exposed to fibrous glass include the following:

  • Workers who install fiberglass installation
  • Factory workers involved in boat manufacturing
  • Service workers who clean or install HVAC ductwork
  • Construction workers who demolish buildings

NIOSH recommends that employers use Hierarchy of Controls to prevent injuries. If you work in an industry that uses fibrous glass, please read chemical labels and the accompanying Safety Data Sheets for hazard information. Visit NIOSH’s page on Managing Chemical Safety in the Workplace to learn more about controlling chemical workplace exposures.

The following resources provide information about occupational exposure to fibrous glass. Useful search terms for fibrous glass include “Fiber Glas®,” “fiberglass,” “glass fibers,” “synthetic vitreous fibers,” and “glass wool.”

NIOSH Chemical Resources

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
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The NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (NPG) helps workers, employers, and occupational health professionals recognize and control workplace chemical hazards.

Manual of Analytical Methods
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The NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM) is a collection of methods for sampling and analysis of contaminants in workplace air, and in the blood and urine of workers who are occupationally exposed.

Health Hazard Evaluations
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The Health Hazard Evaluation Program (HHE) conducts onsite investigations of possible worker exposure to chemicals. Search the HHE database for more information on chemical topics.

Related NIOSH Resources

  • NIOSHTIC-2 search results on fibrous glass—NIOSHTIC-2 is a searchable database of worker safety and health publications, documents, grant reports, and journal articles supported in whole or in part by NIOSH.
  • NIOSH Worker Health Study Summaries—NIOSH conducts research to prevent illnesses and injuries in the workplace. The NIOSH Worker Notification Program notifies workers and other stakeholders about the findings of these research studies.

Selected Publications

Related Resources

International Resources

Page last reviewed: June 21, 2019
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health