Fiberglass insulation is extremely effective, lowering heating and cooling bills by up to 40 percent by creating a barrier that keeps your conditioned air in, and the weather’s elements outside. However, many want to know if it is possible for fiberglass insulation to cause allergies in Sacramento, CA. To determine if this is indeed possible, we must first understand what health concerns fiberglass may present.
Fiberglass particle exposure
When fiberglass is being installed, small particles of fiber can be released into the air in your home. When this happens, it can be very easy for someone to inadvertently inhale these particles. Depending on what types of allergies or breathing issues you may have, this could trigger strong respiratory reactions such as severe coughing, nosebleeds and even bronchitis. As these fiberglass particles are difficult to break down once in the body, they could also cause damage to your lungs if inhaled.
While your fiberglass insulation is being handled during installation, it is also possible that some of the pieces may break free from the batt and get in your eye. This will likely lead to at least some irritation and inflammation. Because your eyes are sensitive to any type of foreign object that comes into contact with them, more serious interactions with these particles could also lead to severe long-term damage.
One of the most common ways to come into contact with fiberglass particles is through the skin. If these particles settle in your pores, you could experience itchiness and excessive dryness, and your skin may even break out in rashes for a couple days.
Monitoring your exposure
Fortunately, fiberglass insulation typically only causes these health issues when it’s disturbed, meaning that once the material is installed, these health risks are greatly reduced. Working with qualified professionals who use safe, high-quality materials for your installation can also help you to avoid intensified symptoms.
Keeping your skin and eyes protected during installation can also help you avoid these health risks. If you will be around the work area during your insulation installation, or if the fiberglass will be exposed for a couple of days during an extended renovation, make sure to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, as well as gloves. Additionally, it might be helpful to wear a face mask that will both ensure that you don’t inhale any of the fiberglass particles and prevent anything from flying into your eyes.
While there are some health risks that exist with fiberglass insulation, and the interaction between allergies and insulation in Sacramento, CA can be unpleasant, your likelihood of exposure can be vastly reduced when you call on the help of experienced professionals. Using advanced techniques, high-quality materials and 30 years of combined industry experience, it is our mission at 5 Star Performance Insulation, Inc. to provide you with an insulation installation that is effective and will keep everyone in the home out of harm’s way. To protect your home with top-notch insulation while keeping your family safe, give us a call today to schedule a consultation.