When fiberglass enters your skin, it’s important to wash the area as soon as possible to help remove any of the pieces. You can gently wipe any larger, visible pieces of fiberglass off your skin with a damp cloth. If there is still irritation, you’ll need to see a healthcare provider. Fiberglass shards will only continue to cause problems if it stays in your skin.
How to Remove Fiberglass Out of Skin
Here’s how to get fiberglass out of your skin, step by step:
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First, leave your work area to prevent the inhalation of fiberglass particles. Wash the area with mild soap and cold water immediately. The sooner you can wash the fiberglass off, the less irritation it cause. Avoid hot or warm water since this will cause the pores in your skin to open and lodge the fiberglass deeper into the skin. If you are able to see larger particles of fiberglass, gently remove them with a cold washcloth or by applying and removing an adhesive tape to your skin. Once you have washed the area, remove your clothing and wash it separately from other laundry. Never scratch or rub irritated skin; this could spread the fiberglass and cause more irritation. If you are concerned that fiberglass particles entered your eyes, flush them out with clean water for at least 15 minutes. Your employer may have an eyewash solution available as well. If you continue to experience skin irritation and pain, see your healthcare provider.
Being Exposed to Fiberglass
Being exposed to fiberglass is most likely to happen at work. Fiberglass is used in insulation, walls, ceilings, and ventilation ducts. If fiberglass materials are damaged, they can release tiny particles into the air. These tiny particles look like dust. When this happens, we may touch, ingest, or breathe them in without realizing it.
Workers who install or fix insulation are at an increased risk for coming in contact with fiberglass. If you work in construction, electronics, plastics or wind energies industries, you may also be at increased risk.
If the insulation or structures in your home contain fiberglass, it’s unlikely that you will ever be exposed. Fiberglass exposures are usually only a risk when you’re handling damaged materials or moving them around the house.
Risks of Fiberglass
The risks of working with fiberglass are usually short-term, and symptoms should resolve once the fiberglass is removed. The long-term effects of fiberglass exposure are not well documented.
Open a window to improve ventilation and air qualityWear a mask and goggles to prevent particles from coming in contact with your eyes, nose, and mouthWear loose-fitted clothing with long sleeves and pants to prevent your skin from coming in contact with the particles. Loose-fitted clothing will help prevent skin rubbing and irritationOpt for clothing that is tightly woven to prevent fiberglass particles from being able to reach your skinWear leather gloves with a smooth finish and steel-toed boots while workingIf you are working with materials overhead, such as insulation, a head covering may be helpfulOnce you are finished working, use a shop vacuum to clean up any microscopic fibersWash your work clothes separately from other clothing in your household, and rinse the washing machine when you are finished
In addition to personal actions you can take, there are federal rules for reducing exposure as well. As of 1999, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) established guidelines for limiting workers’ exposure to fiberglass. According to the recommendations, during an eight-hour workday, a worker should not be exposed to more than “one breathable glass fiber per cubic centimeter of air.” This is meant to ensure that there is enough airflow to prevent the inhalation of fiberglass.
Skin Irritation
If fiberglass particles become lodged in your skin, you may notice a red, itchy rash known as contact dermatitis. This usually occurs on any skin that was exposed while working with fiberglass.
Contact dermatitis refers to skin irritation caused by contact with an irritant, and is the most common type of occupational skin condition. Fiberglass exposure can also cause skin peeling and small lesions or blisters.
Other Complications
Being exposed to fiberglass can lead to respiratory symptoms as well. If fiberglass is inhaled, larger particles can get trapped in your airway and smaller particles can travel to and settle in the lungs. This can lead to:
Coughing Sneezing Itching Worsened asthma symptoms
When fiberglass is ingested into the gastrointestinal tract, it is usually eliminated through bowel movements. If you have noticed any of these symptoms after working with fiberglass, it’s a good idea to see your healthcare provider.
Summary
Fiberglass is a synthetic material made from tiny pieces of glass and can be irritating if touched or inhaled. There are easy ways to remove fiberglass particles that are lodged in the skin at home, and fiberglass exposure is generally not life-threatening. Wearing proper protective equipment while doing construction work involving fiberglass is the best way to prevent this problem from happening.
If you have been exposed to fiberglass during work or think fiberglass has touched your skin, gently wash the affected area with water and a mild soap. If you continue to experience skin irritation or pain, see your healthcare provider for medical assistance.
