CPWR – Center for Construction Research and Training Construction workers should be protected from breathing man-made mineral fibers (MMMF). The fibers glass, ceramic, and rockwool and slagwool are used for heat and sound insulation. Ceramic fibers are made from alumina, silica, and other metal oxides. Rockwool and slagwool are made from molten rock. The man-made fibers
are sometimes used as a "safe" replacement for asbestos. All
kinds of asbestos can cause crippling lung diseases and cancers. Studies have found that glasswool and ceramic fibers cause cancer in animals. And the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, says refractory ceramic fibers "possibly" cause cancer in people. (See http://www-cie.iarc.fr/htdocs/monographs/vol81/81.html ) It is best to be
careful. The most dangerous fibers may be ones so small you can't see
them. If you think you may be working with MMMFs, ask your employer. You
may need to use respirators. If you need more information, contact the
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, NIOSH (1-800-356-4674,
or www.cdc.gov/niosh),
or OSHA (1-800-321-OSHA or www.osha.gov). |