Glasswool (Man-Made Fibers)

Home/commercial insulation (batts, loose‑fill), HVAC and appliance insulation, industrial equipment, and fiberglass manufacturing [1].

Cutting, installing, removing, or disturbing insulation during construction/renovation/demolition; handling waste; dust on tools, clothing, and indoor surfaces [1][4].

Short‑term effects include itching, redness, sore throat, and cough. For cancer, common insulation glasswool is not classifiable in humans, but some special‑purpose fibers are possible carcinogens; certain inhalable glass wool fibers are listed by NTP as reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens [2][3].

Insulation and fiberglass manufacturing workers; HVAC, shipyard, and demolition crews; DIY renovators; people with asthma/COPD who are more sensitive to irritation [1][4].

Use local exhaust or wet methods; avoid dry sweeping; wear gloves, long sleeves, eye protection, and a NIOSH‑approved respirator when dust is present; clean with a HEPA vacuum; wash skin with water; launder work clothes separately [1][4].