Attic Insulation Skin Irritation

Fiberglass insulation is that fluffy typically pink stuff that looks a bit like cotton candy on a paper backing.

Attic insulation skin irritation.

Always fix leaks before installing insulation as they may be difficult to find after the job is finished. What is insulation rash. Fiberglass will cause skin and mucous membrane irritation particularly with fibers that are 5 microns in diameter or greater says james lockey md professor emeritus in the department of environmental health at the university of. Additionally warning labels indicate that fiberglass can cause eye lung and skin irritation.

If you ve ever come in contact with fiberglass you already know what it can do to your skin. It is recommended to hire a professional to remove your old attic insulation. Fiberglass in your skin can result in a painful and itchy irritation. Wear long sleeves and pants work gloves safety glasses and a dust mask or respirator to avoid irritating your skin or breathing in harmful substances.

How to get rid of insulation rash. You may get a rash and it may itch for a while but it s easy to remove. If your skin is exposed to fiberglass don t rub or scratch your skin. If the insulation is not properly sealed off it can get into air vents and circulate through the building.

If you choose the diy route however here are the steps required to do the job. Recycled glass or sand that s melted and spun into fibers. If you did not protect your skin or if even after taking appropriate precautions you got some insulation on your skin don t fret. According to illinois department of health no long term side effects should occur from simply touching fiberglass insulation.

This occurs when people come into contact with the fiberglass particles that are found in insulation. Despite all these safety precautions you could still develop a reaction sometimes called a fiberglass rash. Commonly used and inexpensive but fibers can irritate lungs and skin though less so than in years past thanks to better manufacturing and it s less effective at blocking airflow than other. Vacuum your clothing immediately afterwards to help reduce the chances of skin irritation.

Wash the area with running water and mild soap. The tiny fibers of glass from insulation wool can irritate your skin and eyes if you experience too much contact with fiberglass it can cause what s called irritant contact dermatitis or inflammation of the skin breathing in fibers can also increase the difficulty of breathing. Fiberglass insulation is not generally considered to be dangerous but it can irritate the skin and respiratory system. Homeowners can also come across fiberglass insulation during repairing or clearing out the attic.