Rock/Stone Wool (Mineral Wool)

Abstract

Rock wool, also known as stone wool, is a mineral wool traditionally used as a thermal insulation material and it falls within the generic group identified as man‐made vitreous fibers (MMVF). Other fiber types belong to this generic group. The terminology used to define mineral wools and other Man‐made vitreous fibers (MMVFs) is reviewed and defined in this revision, taking due account of the different nomenclature adopted in Europe and the USA. This chapter reviews the fiber types and properties, production, and the routes of exposure. Levels of human exposure are shown to be generally low and well controlled. The lungs and surrounding tissues are the target organs of most interest for potential adverse health effects. Potential impacts of exposure and the mechanisms for fiber clearance are discussed, with both animal studies and human epidemiological data being updated. Current regulatory guidance and the health classifications for rock wool (mineral wool) used in the United States and Europe show no concerns for human carcinogenicity. In October 2001 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) re‐classified rock (stone) wool and other commercially available insulation wools as Group 3 (not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity in humans) that is not suspected of causing cancer in humans.