Fiberglass - Fibers and Dust and Coating (Formaldehyde is used as a binder agent for blanket insulation, but most of the formaldehyde evaporates during the production process)

Fibreglass dermatitis from DermNet NZ

Allergic contact dermatitis from DermNet NZ

Is there fiberglass in air ducts? 

Most commercial air duct systems are internally lined with fiberglass duct liners. Deteriorating fiberglass duct liner is a very common cause for indoor air quality complaints and adverse health effects

When ducts are damaged or deteriorating, they can introduced particles of fiberglass into the air you breath. According to the American Lung Association– Inhaling fiberglass can reduce lung function and cause skin eye and throat irritation, in humans and animals.

How do you get fiberglass out of your house?

Vacuum the entire house thoroughly with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter which will capture the fiberglass particles. Focus on areas where dust accumulates, such as window sills and one top of door jambs. Repeat this process as many times as needed.

Is fiberglass dust harmful?

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.

Should ductwork be replaced after 20 years?

“If your ductwork is over 15 years old, you probably should replace it. Ductwork has a maximum lifespan of 20-25 years. By 15 years, however, it begins to deteriorate, significantly reducing your HVAC system's efficiency, so replacement is the prudent option.”

Does fiberglass go away on its own? 

Sometimes, fiberglass can work its way out of the skin on its own. However, this takes time, and not all of the fiberglass may leave the skin. It is best to remove any visible fiberglass from the skin and treat the rash. If symptoms persist, a person may need medical treatment.

How long does fiberglass stay in air?

Fiberglass generally causes irritation in the respiratory system, but most people recover from inhaling fiberglass fibers. A small percentage of fiberglass fibers can reach the lungs, but most of those fibers are dissolved and removed by the body within 10 days of exposure by inhalation.

Fiberglass Particles Can Harm Breathing Systems?

 After a while, those bits can get stuck in a person's lungs, leading to respiratory ailments. Fiberglass exposure can also inflame the eyes and skin, making them itchy. Worse yet, it's possible that this insulation contributes to various types of cancer.

Cellulose Insulation - Cellulose, Cellulose Dust and Fire Retardant Chemical on Cellulose 

Cellulose insulation's source is paper and/or corncobs and/or sisal and/or wood and/or newspapers (with ink) and/or cardboard and/or office paper and/or other common waste paper products.  During manufacturing cellulose insulation is treated with borates, which are a Class I fire retardants.  Cellulose soaks up moisture in enclosed areas and can take a long time to dry out, which means while drying out, vapors containing the fire retardants are given off. 

NTP Toxicity Study Report one the Atmospheric Characterization, Particle Size, Chemical Composition, and Workplace Exposure Assessment of Cellulose Insulation - August 2006, 117 pages

Insulation Safety and Health 

Consider Using Benchmark to inspect your house or IEE Indoor Environmental Engineering   415/567-7700 or California Environmental Testing LLC  or Sterling & Associates, Inc 408/262-1656 in San Jose (Milpitas) (28 years in business)

Benchmark Environmental Engineering for Air Quality Testing 408/448-7594

Benchmark Environmental Engineering is a San Jose based environmental consulting firm providing indoor air quality testing and inspection services for business owners, commercial and industrial property owners, government agencies, school districts, municipalities and homeowners throughout Northern and Southern California. 

Benchmark Environmental Engineering provides comprehensive environmental inspection, consulting, and training services to homeowners, businesses, property owners, property managers, insurance companies and government agencies in California. Our offices are based in San Jose, Los Angeles, and San Diego, California.

24 Hour Emergency Service Available

We also have industrial hygienists available for dispatch to cities in California. We can provide 24-hour emergency response to any environmental emergency.

Over 25 Years Experience

With over 25 years of experience in environmental testing, inspection and education and a national reputation for specializing in complex environmental cases, Benchmark Environmental Engineering is a leader in environmental consulting. We offer our clients a wide range of services, including environmental testing, indoor air quality management, mold, bacteria, lead, and asbestos testing. We also provide expert witness testimony and environmental continuing education courses.

Benchmark Environmental Engineering has also been instrumental in defining legislative language in the California State Legislature, through participation in government environmental task forces.

Hawk Environmental Services in Seattle presents this environmental report, Cellulose Insulation Dust Causes and Indoor Air Quality Issues  

I believe Benchmark would offer the same kind of report

Hawk's Report February 4, 2014

We deal with a wide variety of indoor air quality concerns, and often get called in when other contractors have been stumped.  Recently, one of our clients had been dealing with a significant buildup of dust and health concerns after a new furnace had been installed.  We identified pressure imbalances, and borate dust from the cellulose insulation in the attic.  Keep reading to hear about the testing and inspection that was done to get to this conclusion, and call or email us if you have indoor air quality concerns in your building

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The client is the first owner of the home and has lived there since it’s original construction in 2004.

HOME OWNER’S STATEMENTS:

• Prior to the replacement of the HVAC system the home had normal levels of dust and no health concerns were noted.
• In February of 2012 the home’s original furnace failed and a new unit was installed.
• When the new furnace was installed the home owner began to experience health effects when in the home.
• The initial health concerns were suspected to be related to ozone gas production in the electronic filter and the HVAC company replaced this unit with a standard 4” pleated media filter.
• On 1/31/2012 the HVAC company performed extensive duct sealing and replaced the return ducting where is passes through the attic.
  

  THE HOME OWNER COMPLAINS OF:

• Excessive dust in the home
• Dry skin
• Eye irritation
• Persistent coughing
• Feelings of breathing in sand and sand in eyes
• Dying houseplants

SUSPECTED ISSUES:

Based on the reported concerns and the obvious dust in the home, a pressure imbalance that has led to infiltration of the fire-retardant additives in the cellulose insulation (borates).

LIVING SPACE VENTILATION

THE LIVING SPACE IN THE HOME IS CURRENTLY VENTILATED BY:

• The kitchen range exhaust hood appears to be ducted to the exterior.
• One exhaust fan/light unit was observed in the master bathroom main area and tested at 51 CFM (using Alnor 6200 Balometer)
• One exhaust fan/light unit was observed in the master bathroom water closet and tested at 57 CFM (using Alnor 6200 Balometer)
• One exhaust fan unit was observed in the laundry room and tested at 12 CFM (using Alnor 6200 Balometer). This fan is controlled by a 24-hour mechanical timer located in the master bathroom closet.
• One exhaust fan/light unit was observed in the hall bathroom and tested at 68 CFM (using Alnor 6200 Balometer)
• The furnace is equipped with a fresh-air intake duct that was tested at 50 CFM (using Alnor 6200 Balometer) and is controlled by a manual damper that was screwed into its current position and could not be adjusted.

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA (HOME IN NORMAL OPERATING CONDITION):

RECOMMENDED VENTILATION RATES:

As per 2013 ASHRAE 62.2 (these requirements are in excess of Washington State’s most current building codes, but Hawk Environmental Services prefers a more liberal ventilation plan)

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