I inhaled loft insulation, is it dangerous?

Question

I had to work in a loft for what i thought would be a short time, so i decided not to go out and buy a mask, the job actually took alot longer than i thought and i was moving the loft insulation around and generally walking and crawling around in the loft for about 2 hours. I noticed all the dust when i shon the torch in certain positions but the dust was not visible at first, it wasnt untill i shon the torch around that i could see it all. I inhaled alot of this dust for about 2 hours and i could smell it on occasions but not always. Does anyone know what it is?, and is it dangerous? ive heard people suggest that it is called fibreglass, but i thought it was called loft insulation? my skin was very itchy afterwards but it seemed to be ok after a shower. My main concern is my lungs, can anyone give me any idea as to the effects i should look out or anything at all?

Answer 1

Yes, it is dangerous , that's why you always wear a mask.

Answer 2

Is Loft Insulation Dangerous

Answer 3

I have maximum insulation everywhere. Two layers in the loft where most heat is lost. When we went up to get the Christmas decorations down it was as cold as outside up there. My boiler only comes on occasionally and I'm lovely and warm. Water supply underground from road froze Sunday -9 degrees. Can't compare fuel bills yet but my oil is lasting much better. This is a timber framed building and DOES have max insulation built in so not sure what John means. Stay safe everyone

Answer 4

This is the wrong place to ask the question.

You will receive a lot of guesswork answers and get conflicting advice. Modern loft insulation does not always contain fiberglass but there will be all sorts of other stuff in loft dust.

Do not wait for 'symptoms', you may not get any for ages (many lung diseases can take up to 10 years to show up) and if you do get symptoms then it may later than desirable for treatment.

Your health is too important for that sort of prevarication.
Not only that, but if you have contracted something then your compensation may be severely affected if you delay seeking medical advice following exposure to dust.

Incidentally, the wearing of a mask (and other protective clothing such as gloves) provided by your employer is compulsory under the Health and Safety at Work Act. By not wearing yours (the duration of the job is irrelevant) you have committed what's called 'contributory negligence'. This should have been pointed out to you during your induction into the job.
Delaying treatment now you know that you've been exposed will not help you at all.

You MUST go and see your GP or local casualty department as soon as you can for assessment and reassurance.

Answer 5

Loft insulation is usually made of glass fibres woven into a matting. It's horrid stuff, and I'm itching just reading about it.
I used to work in a factory where it was used and it's amazing how it spreads itself around even when you're not working with it directly. You definately should wear a mask next time (if there is one - a next time that is) meanwhile as long as you're breathing ok with no tightness of the chest etc you 're probably ok. I'd worry more about whether or not there was any rat poo in the dust. Yuk. Buy a mask!

Answer 6

Stop Stressing!!

You probably didn't cause any harm. Most dust and air particulates are trapped by mucus that lines your esophagus. Later you will "horke" it out in a "lunger". If you have trouble breathing then you should see a doctor, but it sounds like you didn't get enough to mess anything up.

Yes it is made of fiberglass. there is no difference from ordinary insulation and loft insulation. They are all made of strands of fiberglass.

Next time wear a mask, and it wouldn't hurt to know something about construction if you are going to work on a house.

Answer 7

Non Itch Loft Insulation

Answer 8

Your description is spot on,don`t worry I've been in that situation many many times. You are advised to wear a mask and goggles because with some people ( not me) it irritates their throats and makes them cough. It`s effect on me is as you describe itching of the skin and also eyes but that doesn`t happen to everyone, do you honestly think that governments from around the world would allow themselves open to all the poss claims for allowing it`s use in the insulation of properties.
It`s an irritant only
don't worry

Answer 9

Dont worry too much, obvioulsy you would have been better wearing a mask......a lot of the particles will have been ordinary dust that has blown in through the soffits & tiles & some will be fibre glass. For the amount you have been exposed it shouldnt have any lasting affect. I have been in loads of lofts over the years and some are worse than others...... just use protective equipment whenever in any similar situation

Answer 10

It sounds like it was fiberglass insulation, which in your case is'nt life threatening because you were'nt exposed for that long.
In the future though wear a mask in that type of enviornment even if it's only for 5 minutes.
Hope this was helpful, good luck!!

Answer 11

Yer gonna die!
It might take a while for the effects to set in. Might be as much as 90 years.
Sue? Whom? Yourself for not reading the warnings for the last um years, not getting a mask that common sense you admit should have been obeyed?

Yep, it is a skin irritant, scratchy as all get out. Think of your poor naked pink lungs.
You cant replace the lungs, but fortunately, lacking a brain or a check book, they can't sue you for negligence.

However a 2 hour exposure aint in the class of 40 years of pack a day habit with tobacco. So relax, have a nice wine to go with your whine and kick back.