Glass Fiber and Health Complaints

The term “glass fiber” as used here refers to any rigid, vitreous fiber, mineral or organic. “Glass” is a physically defined state of matter and not a product with a specific chemical composition. To cause health complaints it must be large enough to be trapped by the upper respiratory system. Crystalline fibers, such as the asbestos minerals and other fibrous minerals and vitreous fibers that are small enough to penetrate deeply into the lung are not included here because they do not result in complaints at the time of exposure. All “glass fibers” function the same way on the body but the response of any given individual will differ from that of other individuals for a variety of reasons that include medical condition, sensitivity, and other recent or associated exposures. Environmental glass fiber is often associated with other materials, such as allergens, whose adverse effects may be enhanced by the association with glass fiber.