Table of Contents
How can you tell the difference between asbestos and fiberglass?
The main difference between asbestos and fiberglass is that asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally and is composed of mainly thin fibers. On the flip side, fiberglass is a mineral made by humans and is composed of thin, long fibers of glass. Asbestos is a fibrous silicate mineral that occurs naturally.
Can you see fiberglass fibers?
Airborne fiberglass cannot be seen with the naked eye and is often hard to detect, particularly if you are one of those people who cannot feel the obvious signs. Some have the obvious signs of sinus issues, coughing and burning eyes, while others get an upset stomach. Some do not appear to be effected at all.
What are the symptoms of fiberglass exposure?
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, fiberglass exposure can lead to the following symptoms:
- skin irritation and pain.
- eye irritation or redness.
- temporary stomach discomfort.
- soreness in the nose or throat.
Does old fiberglass insulation contain asbestos?
Some insulation materials — including fiberglass, cellulose, and mineral wool — rarely contain hazardous mineral. Others, especially vermiculite insulation, almost always contain asbestos. Fortunately, vermiculite insulation is easily identifiable.
What do fiberglass particles look like?
What does fiberglass dust look like? Even though it is difficult to detect, experts say that fiberglass dust is white and has a fluffy-like look. In some cases, it has a slight shine, especially when it is subjected to bright light. Do not expect to see it as you would soot or black and brown dust particles.
What does fiberglass insulation look like?
If you have loose-fill insulation that is white and fluffy and has a little shine, it is probably fiberglass fill. Because it is a glass product, fiberglass has a slight shine when subjected to bright light. It is very soft, almost like cotton candy, and is composed of very fine fibers2.