Can being exposed to new fiberglass insulation cause immediate health symptoms and illness?

Question

My child & I have been in a home that recently had the airconditioning system and fiberglass insulation replaced. In one room the ceiling is completely open with the fiberglass somewhat exposed in many areas. The fiberglass is formaldehyde-free. We have been sick with a severe sore throat, coughing, runny nose, headaches, etc. Basically I would like to know if this is something I should really be concerned about & if this could be a contributing factor to us being sick. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Answer 1

alrighty, I used to work at a plant that makes fiberglass.... (I may not explain this exactly right)
fiberglass is glass that is covered in a binder to make it yarn like. Alot of us at the plant were allergic to the binder... now we were exposed to it in the wet form all the way over to the packing part when it was dry.... it caused sore throats and coughing from inhaling it it (in all forms).... it also caused skin irritations. Anything from a rash to hives....
this may take a while for you to accomplish but I would contact the manufacture of the insulation, find out what company made the fiber glass (example... PPG industries based in Pa.) Contact them and find out what binder or other chemicals were used in making it... or you could also take a sample to your dr and see what they think... feel free to email me if you want a better explaination of how its made.... its all i know, I grew up with dad working there, then I went there and my father in law still works there.... I will help anyway you feel I might be able too.... Best of luck to you

Answer 2

It's not entirely impossible, but highly unlikely. Fiberglass, like smoking, builds up over time in your lungs. If it is a new house, however, there may be other things causing the cold/flu-like symptoms. New carpeting is famous for it, as well as new furniture etc. You might try renting a steam cleaner and washing some of the newness out of the rugs.
On the other hand, if you have asthma etc. to begin with, it's more likely that whatever irritants are in the fiberglass will aggravate symptoms.
My husband worked with fiberglass for years with no respirator, and never had a problem. Your mileage may vary

Answer 3

Sounds like just an allergy. I'd say the removal of all the old stuff is more likely the culprit. There may have been mold, dust, dander, all kinds of stuff that was stirred up by the construction.

However, I'm not a doctor. I'd say to stay with a friend until the construction is complete or at least get out of there for a few days so you feel better.

Answer 4

As appose to an invisible man in the sky you mean, I would say to them don't be scared of science, if your faith is strong we won't change you, Science gives answers upon reason, if it can't it will look for them, we aren't arrogant, we know we don't have all the answers, but we are willing to admit that and try and find out as much as we can know, that shouldn't be as scary for them as it seems to be from their questions, faith is belief without proof (by it's definition, it doesn't need proof, or it would be a science) and so can never be disproved to the true believer, so why worry. There have been a few religious people whom have been involved in one or more of the sciences too, as they believe a God gave them science to better understand his/her creation, at least they were open to other ideas, as science would be to a God if it can prove it's existence

Answer 5

When working with fiber class it is always wise to wear a face mask - because exposure to fiber glass can damage the lungs - I might suggest you both see a doctor and find someplace to stay while the work is being finished.

Answer 6

I was interested to know this as well