The Pulmonary Reaction to Sheet Fiberglas-Plastic Dust

Glass fibres: absence of pulmonary hazard in production workers

“…In a further study in animals on 'fibreglass-plastic' dust (glass fibre sized with a phenolformaldehyde resin) Schepers et al (1958) concluded that lesions characteristic of 'inert' dust were produced and observed that inhaled dust sporadically and mildly stimulated tuberculous infection, although this response was self-limiting in spite of continued dust exposure.…”

Health hazard evaluation determination report no. HHE-78-3-555, Warminster Fiberglass, Southhampton, Pennsylvania.

“…Samples were varied to some extent as experience was gained with the sampling and analytical method. It is apparent that the workers• exposures did not exceed the recommended ceiling TLV of 1.5 mg/M3 for the entire sampling period; however, the actual spray-up generally consumes 15 to 25 minutes tn length and would probably account for all of the MEKO exposure period unless there is some residual MEKO mist present or MEKO vapor accounts for significant exposure during the hand working of the resin-chopped fibrous glass mat.…”

“…Therefore, further samples to evaluate MEKO exposure were planned during actual spraying activities only and were to be approximately the 15 minutes in length required to apply the resin and fibrous glass chopped mat.…”

“…Evaluation Progress and Design 1. Initial Survey -November [14][15]1977 Personal samples were obtained to evaluate worker exposure to organic vapor contaminants, fibrous glass pqrticulates, and cobalt and total particulates. Detector t ubes were used to estimate worker exposure during application of a fibrous glass reinforced coating to the c~rgo carrying interiQr of a truck.…”

Health hazard evaluation determination report no. HHE-76-8-370, Fuel Economy Engineering Company, Spurlock Power Station, Maysville, Kentucky.

“…Reports by Schepers et al [10][11][12], on animal exposures to polyester-fiber glass dust (generated from cutting, sawing and planing of cured reinforced plastic) indicated a general pulmonary response comparable to that produced by mineral dusts. Ruttner[l3J showed the relative inactiveness of cured epoxy dust.…”