Removing Insulation Without Protection-Aching?

Question

I've been removing insulation panels in the walls and attic (ceiling) of a 16 year old house for more than a week. I have been using my shirt to block my nose at times however this usually didn't help. I would walk away with a sore throat and nose and would cough quite a bit. No blood though.

After that, today, my jaw started to hurt like after you get a tetanus or flu shot. This is the same with my head. I have (a little too late) decided not to keep doing this now that I realize how much it is affecting me. 

I am wondering if I just submitted myself a chance of a health issue. I didn't smell asbestos nor do I believe the house has any. Is this a normal reaction the body has? What could be happening?

The house and insulation is only 16 years old and the brand is Owens Corning if that matters.

MissWong · Accepted Answer

You been touching and inhaling (and possibly swallowing) fiberglass particles. Check this article: http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/fiberglass.htm
You should always wear long sleeves, gloves and a mask when working with fiberglass.

Svetlin Marinov · Answer

One thing is, if you want to know, you can actually take a sample of the insulation (with proper protection this time!) and take it to be analyzed.

On working there again, do not; and if you ever HAVE TO, wear a PROPER mask, eye protection and gloves/full body covering clothes; and after finishing, follow proper procedures. But bottom line is, don't do it at all.

As of the effects you are already suffering, it's not great what you have done for sure. Asbestos does not smell; so you can't say. But there is a huge chance there hasn't been any; and even if there has been; you are not "doomed".

What happened, happened. The best to do now is to BELIEVE everything will be OK. Let your body run the course of feeling sick - coughing, sniffing, and runny nose are GOOD as this is the natural way of your body to remove the particles that you have ingested.

It will be good. BELIEVE; give good advice to people around you from now one and never repeat your mistake.

Peace!

Alistair · Answer

Hi

The use of asbestos was banned completely in the UK in 1995. Diseases related to asbestos will take roughly between 20 and 30 years to show. You can not smell asbestos and if you believe the product you are working with is affecting your health then you have done the correct thing and stopped the works. 

I would recommend that (at a minimum) you should use a half face mask with a P3 filter and some type 5 paper overalls. You can buy these from the usual hard wear stores.

You would be amazed as to what products contain asbestos and you should have a survey done of your property to establish the whereabouts of asbestos in your property. I can provide extra info on surveys if you require and if you live in the UK.

Chris W · Answer

i doubt its asbestos in the house as we were aware of its dangers by then - 16 yrs ago.  however the small bibres and assorted crud that goes with insulation removal would certainly make ur lungs feel sore.  u definately need to wear a proper mask for this sort of work.

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Removing Insulation Without Protection-Aching?

4 Answers