Is insulation material poisonous?

Question

I installed some insulation material (R19-roll from home depot) on my garage's ceiling. People say that material is poisonous, when installing one needs cover one's nose and mouth to avoid inhaling the material (fiber glass I think). Now I'm wondering if that's the case, why would I install it on the garage ceiling because I'll be breath in the stuff whenever I'm in the garage. Am I suppose to board it up?

Answer 1

I think these other people might be confusing the subject by what they don't remember of what they have heard about asbestos. Actually neither is poisonous. It's the structure of the crystals that 1.) makes this particular mineral to be called Asbestos(R), and, 2.) Harmful. It's the needle-like shape that makes it embed itself in your lung tissue. The mechanism that then cause cancerous growth to occur is not known and under a great deal of research.
YOUR insulation is made of spun glass, which is a whole different mineral. It does not break off in a bad shape. And, as a matter of fact, another material called Wollensonite is the same mineral as Asbestos but with a different shape that is OK to use. As far as I know, no one has found any health problems associated with long time casual contact with glass insulation. I'm in HVAC and this type of insulation is used everywhere without concern. (Then again, that's the way everyone thought about asbestos way back when.)
I personally think that glass insulation will go the way of the dodo bird in coming years. Except in flexible duct work. What is commonly called "Flex" in the HVAC field.
But, to your situation---your insulation is probably not very effective the way you descibe it's state now. You did not say if this insulation is faced or not, and, which way the face is installed(toward the room above or down toward the unheated garage). Either way, it would be more effective if the insulated space was enclosed and semi-airtight. Glass insulation does not work well when air is allowed to penetrate thru it. In a garage most municipal codes require blue board these days for fire safety (good enough reason on it's own) to the garage side of the joists.
Other than that, it's generally not a good idea to go around directly breathing fibers or dust of any kind.

Answer 2

It is not poisonous, but it is an irritant. Fiberglass was used in the gag stuff known as itching powder. It is also the irritant used in military CS grenades. When inhaled it irritates the lining of the lungs, cause coughing, watery eyes, etc. CS is the gas used in the gas chamber when you go to boot camp. The stuff is terrible. It won't kill you, but make you wish you were dead.

Once installed, and out of sight, it will not harm you if it is undisturbed.

Answer 3

It's not poisonous,it's dangerous ! The particles from insulation are like little pieces of glass thread. Needle sharp with barbs.when you're installing it or working around it you should wear protective clothing, safety glasses & a particle mask

Answer 4

You should cover your nose and mouth because that fiberglass material can cause serious irritation to your respratory tract. You should also wear long sleaves and pants because it causes skin irritation. Older insulation often contained asbestos, but you don't have to worry about that with the newer stuff.

Answer 5

Board it up and/or cover it with vapor barrier(plastic). Not poisonous, but dusty, as the glass dust is abrasive (as it is glass fibres) and glass cuts so those dust fibres land on the inside of your lungs. Which is a place it stays...a place you don't want.

Answer 6

no as it is made out of fiberglass wool but don't layin it or get it on you as it itches lake made and if you do get it on you take a nylon sock soap it up and wash your affected skin area there some thing about the nylon removes the glass fibers

Answer 7

No, Its no poisonous, but the fibreglass will damage your lungs, always wear a respirator. Once its on the wall undisturbed the worry is gone.

Answer 8

It contains fiberglass and precautions for your protection should be taken when installing it.