Harmful dust: from allergies to cancer or why mineral wool is dangerous

What material is the insulation made from?

Today, the production of stone wool has reached enormous proportions. Many enterprises are engaged in its production, selling their products in various price categories. Depending on the manufacturing technology, products from different companies may differ significantly. It depends on the amount and composition of the connecting resins that are used as a binder.

To date, stone wool is sold in the form of rolls and rigid mats, the price range of which is from 500 to 2000 rubles.In this case, the maximum cost of the material can be much higher.

Basalt wool is made from rocks. Due to its stone base, the fibers of the material are non-flammable, but the resin used to connect them can be easily ignited. In addition, the presence of formaldehydes and phenols in it can have a negative impact on human health, because due to drafts and temperature fluctuations, the resin is gradually destroyed. In addition, external factors gradually destroy the fibers of the cotton wool itself, which become fine scree and dust, which subsequently settles on the lungs and other respiratory organs.

Details

Materials that are fire resistant

After application, refractories are sent for recycling. Most often, products of this type have a rectangular shape and a small mass, so that they will be optimally suited for different linings.

At the moment, there is a decrease in the production of conventional refractories, as more and more attention is paid to the production of special mortars and concretes that are resistant to high temperatures.

Methods for the manufacture of fire-resistant materials

The materials have a ceramic base, and they are made from refractory nitrides, borides and oxides and have a high level of chemical inertness, as well as strength. A carbon compound is also often used. Refractories retain their qualities when exposed to temperatures from +1650 degrees and are used in a large number of areas where it becomes necessary to carry out some kind of action under given conditions.

As you can see, this is an excellent material for repair work.

2 Safety and first aid

When installing basalt wool (Ecover insulation, for example), it is important to unquestioningly observe a number of strict safety rules and precautions. This is due to the fact that when particles of insulation get on the mucous membranes or open areas of the skin, an unbearable burning sensation occurs.

This is due to the fact that when particles of insulation get on the mucous membranes or open areas of the skin, an unbearable burning sensation occurs.

Redness in different places and itching. The fact is that such microfibers are quite difficult to wash off due to the fact that they instantly clog into cracks and pores.

It is important to remember that those microparticles that have entered the lungs can cause serious respiratory diseases. In order to avoid such unfortunate consequences for health, it is necessary to acquire in advance before performing work:

• Professional glasses;
• Respirator;
• Protective gloves;
• Special suit.

After completion of work related to the installation or transportation of rock wool, clothing that has been used should be discarded.

Basalt superfine fiber (BSTV)

This is due to the fact that it will be very saturated with basalt fibers and dust. In the event that the fiber accidentally hits the surface of the skin, it is not recommended to itch.

This will cause the fine particles of the material to penetrate even deeper into the pores of the skin. If the insulation gets on the hair of the head, it must be shaken off with a high degree of accuracy over the surface of the bath.

Water cannot be used for this. When shaking, close your eyes tightly. After work, a cold shower is taken, preferably with strong pressure.

The use of detergents of any kind is strictly prohibited. Do not use hot water and washcloth.After a shower, you can not wipe yourself with a towel is also prohibited.

It is necessary to let the water drain and dry, and then take a shower, but already using soap. If particles of the substance accidentally get into the eyes, then they should be immediately rinsed with cold water, which is under high pressure.

If the substance has entered the lungs and an incessant cough is observed for several days, then you should seek help from a qualified doctor.

In the modern construction market, there are now many high-quality materials that contribute to the quick and thorough implementation of all types of insulation work.

The main thing at the same time is the proper level of safety during installation. You need to be careful about the choice of such heaters and give preference only to tested and certified products.

Mineral wool is harmful to health or not?

By selecting high quality material and installing it correctly, health hazards can be minimized.

Mineral wool does not pose a serious danger to humans and the environment. Although this product may be a little dusty, mold and micro-organisms occasionally develop in it. But this is extremely rare, often mineral wool is harmless.

It consists of natural fibers that are impregnated with resins and chemical compounds. Their content is so small (2-3%) that they cannot cause serious problems for the residents of the house.

To protect yourself (in case of allergies), when installing mineral wool or glass wool, you must definitely use a respirator. It is better if it is with filter elements. Such a respirator costs more than a regular respirator, but there is no need to save on your health.

To avoid allergic reactions on the hands in the form of a rash, it is necessary to wear a jacket with long sleeves and gloves that fit snugly at the end of the sleeves.

When insulating a frame house, you have to lift sheets of mineral wool above you. To prevent stone chips from getting into your eyes, you need to use glasses. The same applies to the installation of glass wool, which really carries a certain danger to the human body.

At the present time, ecowool is a more environmentally friendly product than mineral wool from basalt. It is made from cellulose fibers, so it is absolutely safe for residents of the house.

Uncertified mineral wool can be a real health hazard. It is impossible to predict from what raw materials it is made and what processing it went through. Buying such a product, you can expose your health and the health of your family.

When choosing an insulating material, it is better to dwell on well-known manufacturers. The cost of mineral wool plays a secondary role, the main factor in its choice is quality. In addition, the environmental friendliness of the material for interior work should be much higher than for external work.

The myth that mineral wool is unhealthy remains just a myth. Some confuse it with glass wool, others remember products that were made using old technologies. However, this material consists of natural raw materials, as well as impurities of chemical compounds and resins, which cannot bring great harm to the human body.

Glass wool or basalt wool, which is better?

Glass wool is a fibrous mineral material. Nothing but one of the types of mineral wool.In the production of glass wool, raw materials are used, exactly the same, which serves as a component of ordinary glass. Often recycled, collected material or waste from the glass industry is used. But wait, if this is a mineral material, then where is the danger here, please explain to me, glass wool or basalt wool, which is better?

We know three modifications of fibrous heat insulators made from mineral components:

1. glass wool;
2. basalt wool;
3. slag.

If everything is clear with the first one, there are no problems with the third one either, it is made from a melt of blast-furnace slag, and in fairness, we note that it is rarely found in the construction markets, then I think it's time to find out what the second one is made of.

Basalt wool or mineral wool which is better?

Basalt wool is an artificially obtained, inorganic material. It is made by melting natural minerals and further forming them into a fibrous structure. Natural mineral - volcanic stone of basalt rock. That is why, often we can hear the definition of mineral stone wool. Accordingly, the question of basalt wool or mineral wool which is better, after finding out that this is the same thing, disappears by itself.

What harm does the lungs get if you breathe in glass wool: what to do

The harm from glass wool can be characterized by the fact that it contains mineral particles containing phenol resins. If glass wool was used in a confined space, then toxic phenol begins to be released into the air, and it is these fumes that a person begins to inhale with his lungs. All this highlights certain consequences.

Glass wool is used in various types of housing construction, does not require special skills for installation and has excellent thermal and sound insulation qualities.

• The appearance of an allergic reaction under the guise of a cough;
• Shortness of breath
• Inflammatory processes of the respiratory system, which can become chronic.

Established fact: people who are involved in frequent work with glass wool are prone to lung cancer. It has also been proven by scientists that the microparticles that make up glass wool can cause dermatosis, bronchitis of both chronic and obstructive types, and the development of a fungal infection of a bacterial type is also possible.

What to do if you have a severe sore throat:

1. Minimize communication. Talking tenses the ligaments and muscles, making the pain worse. The throat hurts terribly if you raise your voice and scream with inflammation of the ligaments and mucous membranes.
2. Drink as much as possible. It is necessary to give preference to warm water, tea, natural juices.
3. Buy local and general painkillers at the pharmacy.

There are a few things that, if your throat is very sore, you can’t do:

1. Smoking is strictly prohibited. Tobacco smoke has an extremely negative effect on the mucous membranes, dries them and provokes the development of inflammation.
2. Alcohol is also contraindicated. Alcohol neutralizes the effect of drugs and can cause severe side effects from them.

Rinsing. For the procedure, use a solution of baking soda and iodine diluted in water. For one liter of water, 2 tablespoons of salt and up to 20 drops of iodine.

Inhalation. Chamomile, calendula color, oak bark will be effective. Use a special inhaler that can be purchased at a pharmacy. After a few treatments, the terrible sore throat will subside.

You can breathe steam and just over a bowl of hot water with the added composition. Cover your head with a towel from above and do not lean too much, so that a thermal burn does not occur, which will only increase suffering.

If the throat is very sore, inhalations and rinses are recommended to be done every 2 hours.

Consequences of getting basalt dust into the lungs

It is widely believed among many users that the greatest threat from stone wool lies in the ingress of microparticles from its fibers into the lungs of a person. It is especially dangerous if the material is used indoors, and not for outdoor insulation. The concentration of such dust in the room will be significant for harming the body.

When it enters the respiratory tract, basalt fiber permanently settles in the lungs of a person. Subsequently, favorable factors are created for the development of various microorganisms, cysts are formed. The latter, in turn, are dangerous with trematodes, which are dangerous for malignancy, leading to the development of low-quality formations.

There were cases when patients with oncology in the lungs lived or worked for a long period in rooms in the air of which there were particles of asbestos or basalt fibers. That is why many European construction organizations refuse to use these materials.

Mineral wool insulation: harm to health (video)

As we were able to find out, mineral wool is not such a simple and safe material as it might seem at first glance. Of course, there are certain myths, but it's better to be insured.Try as much as possible to follow all the rules of work that were indicated in the article, and then all the possible negative consequences that you can get during installation will bypass you.

Comments

+1 gdfgdfhgf 16.08.2017 17:29 Fiberglass is sprayed by the Jews into the air. Indoors, even in small bunches. Penetrates the skin, enters the lungs, slowly kills: a small victory is also a victory. Jewish "Safety" and "Instruction on labor protection", filters will not help. This is a malicious deception. Emergencies Ministry creatures put out fires with liquid glass. Food and water are also poison. The Jews have developed an extensive program of extermination of the population - our race will rule the world. If you want to live - find out the situation. Jews are told from childhood who is who and what is happening. After all, who are these Jews? Because of some abnormal vile riff-raff, all living things die out. Quote

0 Olga 07/01/2017 07:34 Last year, the internal walls of the house were insulated with such fiber. We live in the private sector, so we often have dampness. And so that the insulation does not deteriorate, the husband first applied antifungal putty

But somehow we didn’t know about faith and precautions. And without special costumes everything worked out, thank God!

Quote

0 Dima 06/30/2017 06:20 Drywall workers often work with glass wool. If the room is not ventilated, then you need to wear a mask. The main thing is to take a break after you have laid everything to ventilate the room, and then lay the drywall.

Quote

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Advantages and disadvantages of stone wool

The properties of rocks and the manufacturing technology of insulation predetermine its main advantages.

• The material is not combustible. Stone wool does not burn, but at a temperature of 600-700 degrees it decomposes, forming hot dust. It is used to protect against fire near furnaces, pipelines.
• Has low thermal conductivity. The porous structure contains a lot of air, which is what determines its excellent thermal insulation qualities, prevents heat loss in the cold season and keeps the room cool in summer.
• Good noise absorber. Chaotic interweaving of fibers provides reliable sound insulation.
• Long service life. The service life of stone wool is very long, during operation it retains its parameters. During the entire service life, the insulation retains its geometric dimensions, does not shrink, which means that cracks do not appear and cold air does not penetrate.
• Wet and mildew resistant. Mineral wool allows a minimum amount of moisture to pass through, due to the openness of the pores, it also removes it well. The water vapor contained in the air freely passes through the mineral thermal insulation without condensing in it.
• Environmental friendliness. Disposal of basalt wool does not harm the environment, since it is 90% rock.
• Ease of installation. Stone wool is a lightweight material, has dimensions that are convenient for installation, and can be easily divided into parts - all this increases the speed of installation of insulation. Special forms for pipe insulation are also produced.

Like any material, stone wool has its drawbacks. Both builders and the end user are interested in one thing - how safe is basalt wool, whether it is harmful to health. By itself, mineral wool does not pose a danger to human health - its fibers are made from environmentally friendly natural materials. Unsafe is the substance used in the formation of the "carpet" - a binder, as well as the smallest fibers of mineral wool.

• Harmful substances. In the production of mineral insulation, phenol-formaldehyde binders are used that emit harmful volatile substances. There are studies showing that even in relatively small amounts, phenols can cause headaches, coughing, weakness, nausea, and vomiting. Formaldehyde is highly toxic, can provoke skin diseases and diseases of internal organs, negatively affects the respiratory tract, eyes and skin. It should be noted that phenol resins are contained in basalt wool in very small quantities, so small that, even if they are harmful, they are not capable of harming a person and his health. Simply because their content in the plate is one or more percent.

  But some popular manufacturers have gone even further. They generally abandoned phenol resins, being engaged in the production of separate lines of mineral wool, which are created on binders from bitumen or its derivatives.

• Dust and fibres. The fibers of stone wool are not prickly and stronger than those of glass wool, however, during installation, shaking of the material is inevitable, due to which stone dust enters the air. She survives sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and allergy sufferers and more serious problems. During installation, it is recommended to use a respiratory mask or ordinary medical mask to protect against inhalation of this dust.
• Poor quality supplements.The rather high cost of the material leads to the fact that unscrupulous manufacturers add cheap impurities instead of pure basalt rocks. To reduce the cost of the final product, low-quality raw materials are used, including waste from the metallurgical industry, namely slag, and cheap binders are used. This unpredictably affects the amount and composition of substances released into the air.

It should be noted that the irritating effect of dust and fibers in the air is detrimental when working with this insulating material. The laying of mineral wool should be carried out in compliance with the technology

When insulating your home on your own, it is important to ensure high-quality air circulation during installation, be sure to use a respirator or mask for dust protection

After laying, mineral wool is in a static state and does not generate dust. For people living in houses insulated with its help, the issue of release into the air of harmful substances contained in the material - phenol and formaldehyde - comes first. Well-known stone wool manufacturers confirm with certificates an insignificant percentage of phenol that can be released into the environment.

Which facades using basalt wool pose the greatest threat?

Stone wool can cause maximum harm to humans if it is used for insulation of ventilated facades. This use of basalt wool minimizes heat loss in the cold season, and in the summer, on the contrary, maintains coolness.

When installing such facades, it is necessary to provide a gap between the wall and the heat insulator, so that not only the ventilation process is ensured, but also excess moisture is removed. In this regard, over time, the fibers turn into dust, which, thanks to drafts and ventilation, spreads throughout the room.

Living in such premises is quite dangerous. After a certain time, a person may develop lung diseases, exacerbate chronic diseases, and even develop oncology.

In addition, irritation of the mucous membrane of the eye, respiratory tract and skin occurs, allergies and bronchial asthma may occur. Such damage caused by stone wool is due to the spread of microparticles, which in structure resemble small needles. When inhaled, they easily enter the lungs, but when inhaled, they are no longer excreted from the body. And over time, the accumulated trace elements are a provoking substance for the development of certain diseases.

Environmental Safety

The main material of this insulation - basalt - is a natural stone.

Even with thermal exposure, it does not emit harmful volatile substances.

This cannot be said about materials from the foam group: when heated, even slightly, polymers emit gaseous substances that are harmful to health.

Therefore, for thermal insulation of hot surfaces, for example, heating equipment or a hot water tank, only basalt insulation should be used. The same can be said about the thermal insulation of the roof: in summer it heats up to +60 degrees - this is quite enough for the thermal decomposition of polymers.

As for the phenol-formaldehyde resin, which plays the role of a binder, it does not pose a danger in high-quality and certified heaters, since it is neutralized even at the production stage.

For those who want to get an absolutely perfect material from the point of view of environmental friendliness, some manufacturers offer grades of basalt wool in which phenol-formaldehyde resins are not used.

Glass wool production

Glass fiber is obtained from the same raw materials that are used in the production of plain glass. Also, glass wool is often made from glass industry waste. It consists of soda, sand, dolomite, borax and cullet, which are placed in the bunker and begin to melt there into a homogeneous mass at a temperature of 1400 ° C. In this case, the resulting mixture must have the desired mechanical properties to obtain very thin threads.

In the process of fiber formation, the mass is treated with polymer aerosols, and modified aqueous phenol-aldehyde polymer solutions act as binders. The thread, aerosolized, is placed on the roller of the conveyor, where it is leveled in several stages, forming a homogeneous glass-polymer carpet. Then the thread is polymerized at a temperature of 250 ° C, due to which polymer bonds are formed and the remaining moisture is removed. As a result, glass wool becomes hard and acquires a shade of yellow amber. At the end, it is cooled and cut into rolls.

Harm

Many people in recent years are interested in knowing the exact answer to the question: is basalt wool harmful?

Of particular interest to basalt is due to the fact that it is actively used as a heater and soundproof material in various areas of construction and decoration.Due to the active use of basalt, many people come into contact with it every day, whose lives and health may be at risk.

If you look at the problem more or less objectively, basalt insulation does not have particularly harmful qualities, on the contrary, the material is environmentally friendly to some extent. That is, the harm to human health is minimal.

It is also worth noting that the accusations are to some extent erroneous.

Despite many hazards, basalt wool is much safer for the health of the human body than glass wool (a material of the past generation with the same properties and purpose).

In the case of basalt, the degree of harm to a person depends entirely on the quality of the insulation. All other comments are erroneous and insufficiently substantiated.

The real harm is basalt insulation with an extremely low cost. This is due to the fact that during the production of the material, the technological aspects do not comply with the rules. As a result of such a creation, the material loses some of its characteristics, acquiring qualities that are harmful to human health.

Ecowool of low quality is dangerous for human health

Quality products always have the following properties:

• minimum heat conduction;
• a significant level of sound insulation;
• long shelf life, independent of operating conditions;
• full resistance to fire (material is not combustible).

During the use of ecowool, ignoring safety regulations, the builder may be harmed. It will also be inevitable in the case of the use of material with a low cost.

When installing sound and heat insulation, you have to constantly contact the material, because of which any deviation from safety precautions will immediately lead to sad consequences.

The main problem with cheap basalt slabs is that they crumble during installation. As a result, the exfoliated pieces fall on the body, causing various problems.

Among them:

• irritation of the mucous membrane of the eyes;
• difficulties in the respiratory system;
• itching of the skin of the body;
• oncological problems;
• various harm from phenolic resins (especially for stone thermal insulation Isobox).

Skillfully made according to all standards, basalt wool is not capable of harming human health, especially serious. This is directly related to the impeccable strength of the material, due to which particles do not peel off from the ecowool slab.

Ecowool in the section with impeccable strength