Identifying Fiberglass Contamination on Clothes and Fabrics
Fiberglass exposure can happen easily and be difficult to recognize. Tiny glass fibers can stick to clothes and subsequently penetrate the skin, causing irritation. With certain household items like mattresses containing fiberglass, contamination of fabrics is a risk.
What Does Fiberglass Look Like?
Fiberglass consists of fine glass threads woven into fabrics or loose batting. On its own, it often looks like cotton or polyester fibers before it's closely examined. When adhered to clothes, it's small enough to go unnoticed.
On white or light colored materials, contamination may appear as:
- A fine white powder
- Small glistening strands
- Rough spots that feel gritty to touch
Against darker fabrics, the glass strands blend in but can make the surface glittery. Heavily contaminated clothes may look frosted with fiber buildup.
Where It Transfers From
Fiberglass transfers from household items like:
- Mattresses and upholstered furniture
- Insulation or drywall
- Craft supplies
- HVAC air duct components
As these products age and breakdown over years of use, glass fibers become loose and rub off on contact. Clothes act as carriers, picking up particles that later deposit onto skin.
Health Effects of Fiberglass in Clothing
The tiny size of fiberglass allows it to be inhaled or penetrate skin, causing irritation and inflammation. According to research, potential health effects include:
Skin Irritation
When fiberglass lodges into the skin's surface, it causes physical irritation and inflammation. As the body tries to expel or dissolve the foreign material, rashes, swelling, blisters or scabs may erupt around sites of penetration.
Exposed areas like the neck, arms, torso and thighs are most vulnerable to contact transfer from clothing. Tight-fitting fabrics increase risk of skin irritation by pressing glass fibers directly against the skin.
Eye Injury
If transferred to the face, fiberglass particles can scratch the eye's delicate tissues or embed into the eyeball. Resulting eye injury may cause:
- Redness
- Painful tearing/discomfort
- Light sensitivity
- Feeling of having something in your eye
- Blurred vision
- Eye infections
Rubbing the eyes can worsen injury by driving glass fragments further into eye tissues. Professional removal is necessary in cases of embedded fiberglass foreign bodies.
Respiratory Irritation
Inhaled glass particles irritate the airways, potentially resulting in:
- Cough
- Wheezing/chest tightness
- Breathing difficulty
- Worsened asthma
Those with chronic lung disease like COPD face higher risks for complications if fiberglass fibers trigger airway inflammation or infection.
Removing Fiberglass From Skin and Clothes
The first step after suspected fiberglass exposure is decontaminating clothes according to product instructions. For skin, avoid rubbing and follow these guidelines:
Carefully Remove Contaminated Clothes
To avoid transferring particles to the face, remove tops first, then bottoms. Stand over a towel to catch debris falling from clothes. Seal clothes in plastic bags until they can be washed.
Shower to Wash Off Loose Fibers
Use warm, soapy water and gently wash from neck down. Avoid vigorous scrubbing and use a clean wash cloth each time it contacts skin. Repeat washing until no more debris releases.
Apply Tape or Glue to Lift Embedded Fibers
For particles stuck into the skin, apply duct tape and peel off to extract them. Clear nail polish or glue can also be dabbed over irritated spots. Let dry completely, then peel off the hardened adhesive dots.
Use OTC Itch Creams and Antihistamines
Red, swollen skin may benefit from hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or oatmeal baths. Oral antihistamines like Benadryl can ease systemic itching and skin reactions until they resolve.
See a Doctor for Severe Skin Issues
If rashes worsen despite home treatment or eye injury occurs, seek medical evaluation. Doctors can diagnose complications, remove deeply embedded glass using local anesthetic, and prescribe antibiotic or anti-inflammatory medications as needed.
Laundering Fiberglass Contaminated Fabrics
Pre-treat Prior to Washing
To avoid recontamination of other laundry, pre-soak or rinse fiberglass covered clothes first. Use the hottest water possible. Adding white vinegar helps dissolve glass fiber bonds prior to washing.
Machine Wash Separately on Hot
Wash contaminated items apart from regular laundry using the hottest water safe for that fabric. If clothing labels permit, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends washing in 130°F water.
Extra Rinse Cycles
After washing fiberglass contaminated loads, run the washer through multiple rinse cycles to flush out any lingering glass fibers. Vinegar in the rinse water again helps eliminate residues.
Air Dry Thoroughly
Machine drying doesn't effectively remove fiberglass pieces from fabric. Tumble drying just rebonds glass threads to clothing. Instead, hang items to air dry completely before wearing again.
Preventing Fiberglass Transfer From Clothes
Identify and Seal or Remove Fiberglass Sources
Finding and containing potential fiberglass hazards in the home prevents exposure in the first place. Options include:
- Sealing ripped mattress fabric or replacing older mattresses showing wear
- encapsulating damaged insulation material
- Using alternate craft supplies that don't contain glass components
Wear Protective Gear When Handling
When working around known fiberglass items, wearing coveralls, gloves, respirators and eye protection prevents particles from reaching clothes and skin.
Immediately Remove and Wash Exposed Items
After possible exposure, take off clothes and launder as described above. Carefully shower to wash all unprotected skin and hair that could host glass fibers as well. The sooner treatment begins, the lower the risk of skin or eye injury.
Being aware of what fiberglass looks like on fabric and clothing is key. Quick identification and removal of glass fibers minimizes health risks for anyone exposed through contaminated clothing or household textiles.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment