Fiberglass is widely used in various forms as an insulation or lightweight building material, both in the industrial and domestic sectors. Handling it can lead to splinters sticking into the skin, causing irritation and intense itching (contact dermatitis). If you regularly or occasionally come into contact with fiberglass, you will have this problem. However, with the right steps, it is possible to relieve itching and irritation.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Treating the Symptoms of Contact with Fiberglass
Step 1. Do not rub or scratch the affected area
Fiberglass can cause intense skin itching, so it's normal to be tempted to scratch. However, this can cause the fibers to stick further into the skin, making the problem worse.
Step 2. Immediately and carefully remove any clothing you were wearing during contact with the fiberglass
Keep them away from other clothing and personal items and wash them separately. This way, the fibers won't spread and won't worsen the irritation.
Step 3. If you expose yourself to fiberglass, wash yourself
If you see, feel or suspect that your skin has come into contact with this material, you should wash the affected area as soon as possible. If you already feel itching and irritation, use a mild soap and warm water.
- To help remove the fibers, you can very gently wipe with a sponge.
- If fiberglass has gotten into your eyes, wash them with water for at least 15 minutes.
Step 4. Eliminate visible fibers
If you see them sticking out or under the skin, you can try to gently remove them yourself to prevent irritation.
- First, wash your hands and the affected area with soap and water (if you haven't already).
- Sterilize tweezers with isopropyl alcohol, then use it to remove the fibers.
- A magnifying glass can help you spot the smallest fibers.
- If you see fibers, but can't easily remove them with tweezers, sterilize a sharp needle with isopropyl alcohol. Use it to lift or break the skin covering the fiber. Then, remove it with sterile tweezers.
- Gently squeeze the affected area to help get blood and germs out. Wash it again and apply antibiotic cream.
- If you see fibers embedded deep in your skin, go to your doctor and don't try to remove them yourself.
Step 5. Soothe the skin with a cream
After washing the affected area, apply a good quality cream to moisturize it and relieve irritation. You can also use an over-the-counter anti-itch cream for more relief.
Part 2 of 3: Observe and Prevent Cross-Contamination
Step 1. Wash clothes and any materials that have come into contact with the fiberglass
Remove all clothing worn during contact with the fiberglass and separate it from other items of clothing. Wash them as soon as possible, by yourself. This will help prevent the remaining fibers from spreading and causing irritation.
- If you have a lot of fibers left on your clothes, soak them before washing to dissolve and eliminate them.
- After washing clothes that have come into contact with the fiberglass, schedule a vacuum wash before doing your usual laundry. You will remove all the fibers that are left inside the washing machine and prevent them from compromising other items of clothing.
Step 2. Clean the workspace
If you were working with fiberglass when you came into contact with it, be sure to get rid of any bits left in the work area as soon as possible. This will avoid having another reaction.
- Eliminate them with a vacuum cleaner rather than a broom (which can cause particles to spread through the air).
- While cleaning, wearing clothing, goggles, and a protective mask or respirator will prevent the particles from coming into contact with your skin, eyes, or lungs.
Step 3. Pay attention to the affected area
Coming into contact with fiberglass can be painful and irritating, but symptoms should fade quickly with the right treatment. However, if itching and irritation persist, see a doctor.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Irritation Caused by Fiberglass
Step 1. Wear the right clothes when handling fiberglass
Whenever you work with this material or know you will expose yourself, wear protective clothing. Long sleeves, pants, closed shoes and gloves will help protect your skin from fibers. Try to cover the skin as much as possible.
Putting on a respirator or mask will also protect you from inhaling airborne particles
Step 2. Keep your work area clean and ventilated
If you are handling fiberglass, the work area should be well ventilated so that the material does not remain in the air, does not stick to the skin or clothing, and does not get inhaled.
- Separate the clothes you use to work from the others.
- When handling fiberglass, do not eat, drink or smoke, otherwise you risk ingesting or accidentally inhaling the particles.
- If you notice that fiberglass irritates you, stop working and treat your symptoms before resuming.
Step 3. After handling fiberglass or exposing yourself, shower as soon as possible, even if you don't notice any irritation or itching
This will favor the elimination of any fibers left on the skin that will not cause any reaction.
If you don't notice any reactions at first, taking a cold shower will remove the fiberglass particles from your skin. Cold water will also keep the pores closed, ensuring that no residue remains inside them
Step 4. If you have any questions about fiberglass exposure, talk to your doctor
If you are unsure of your symptoms or are unsure whether contact has actually occurred, talk to your doctor.
Over time, someone can develop some kind of tolerance to fiberglass, so the irritation stops having the same initial effect. However, this does not mean that skin or lung problems cannot occur, so always handle it with care
Warnings
- Fiberglass is not necessarily classified as a carcinogen, but that doesn't mean it can't cause skin and lung problems. Always handle it with great care.
- Symptoms caused by exposure to fiberglass usually don't last long, and most people don't have to worry about occasional contact. However, if you work with or expose yourself on a regular basis, you should be especially careful, read all the safety data sheets that come with the material, and speak to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
