Submitted by: agcomm,  Thu Nov 20 09:45:32 1997


                        November 20, 1997
 
Protective Equipment Advised for Insulation Work
 
     As temperatures drop outside, homeowners often consider
adding attic insulation to keep things warmer inside.  But few
homeowners recognize the health hazards associated with
fiberglass insulation, a North Dakota State University safety
specialist notes.
     Fiberglass insulation is effective and relatively easy to
install, making it a popular choice for do-it-yourselfers.  But
those homeowners need to take precautions and wear protective
clothing to protect themselves from the insulation, says George
Maher, an agricultural safety specialist with the NDSU Extension
Service.
     "Fiberglass and other insulation materials can release tiny
fibers in the air as it is put into place," Maher notes.  "The
fibers are released by fiberglass batting as well as blown-in
fiberglass.  These fibers can be very irritating to bare skin,
the eyes and the lungs."
     That means the skin, eyes and lungs all need protection when
working with insulation.
     Full-coverage clothing, including gloves, should be worn to
protect the skin, Maher recommends. Installing fiberglass
insulation without gloves can leave your hands itchy and
irritated.  The tiny fibers, too tiny to see and too numerous to
remove, work their way into the skin.
     "Gloves and long sleeves are the best defense," Maher says.
     Likewise, irritated, itchy eyes will be the reward for
working with fiberglass and many other types of insulation
without eye goggles, he says. Select goggles that are vented to
prevent their steaming up while you work, but be careful that the
vents are not too large, which would allow fibers to enter.
Contact lenses provide no protection and probably should not be
worn while working with insulation. 
     "Breathing can be an irritating, painful experience if a
dust mask is not worn while installing insulation. The fibers and
particles will be drawn in with every breath and remind you later
of what you did without protection," Maher says.  An ordinary
dust mask, available at most hardware stores and building
material outlets, will provide satisfactory protection.  
     Be sure the dust mask fits properly, he says.  If it has the
metal reinforcing across the bridge of your nose, form it to fit
your face.  Many dust masks leak at this location and fail to
protect the wearer.  Dust masks do plug up and should be replaced
when this happens.  Be sure to buy several masks when you buy the
insulation. 
     Maher notes that some fiberglass insulation is now available
in a plastic wrapping.  Batts are totally encased in polyethylene
film, preventing fibers from escaping.  This was developed to
make handling of the product more worker-friendly.  The
insulation value is not significantly affected as long as
installation instructions are followed.
     "There's been some publicity linking fiberglass to cancer,"
Maher notes.  "But conclusive tests have not been made yet to
support that theory.  In fact, much of the publicity is
misleading and poorly founded. But no matter what the research
finds, following recommendations for wearing protective equipment
and dressing for the situation make good sense.  Protecting
yourself will allow you to be more comfortable at the job and
after it's over."
                              ###
NDSU Agriculture Communication
Source: George Maher (701) 231-8288
Editor: Tom Jirik (701) 231-9629