Is fiberglass safe?


Hi everyone!
I'm in the process of building a dedicated listening room. Design is done by Rives Audio. I've reached the point where LF traps need be filled with fiberglass. Thing is I became kind of concerned by reading contradictory opinions on weather fiberglass is safe or not. LF trap walls are to be covered with fiberglass and closed by a panel of fiberglass covered with Guilford-of-Maine fabric.
I shall contact Richard from Rives Audio too on the issue but thought of getting a second opinion. Any feedback more than welcome.
Cheers!
myronk
As long as the fiberglass is contained within an enclosure and clothed by material to prevent airborne fiberglass from escaping, you are okay. Fiberglass is non-toxic, but can irritate the skin or if inhaled, your respiratory system. If you have little kids that maybe poking around your bass traps, you might consider changing out the fiberglass with Rockwool, which is equalyl effective.
Cotton batting used in futons works, so does speaker stuffing or wool. Fiberglass (glass) is not broken down by the body and once inhaled is with you for life.
Don't worry...you just don't want to inhale lots of the dust or get it on your skin (itchy). It is not dangerous or anything like Asbestos but it is an irritant and too much exposure is bad for you.
If the room is finished you might want to build them in the garage or outside if possible. Wear a long sleeve shirt and a dust mask. Goggles would be appropriate if the wind is blowing.

You may want to check out different manufactures... Some fiberglass insulation has a nasty odor to it. When covered with drywall there is not any problem. In your case where it will be covered by a porous material good chance the smell would pass through.
http://www.basementtransformationtechnologies.com/Environmental-Medical-Advantages/Facts-About-Fiberglass.html
I recently had fiberglass blown in my attic replacing 30 year old nasty stuff that floated in the air as a fine particulate. The new stuff they use is not as fiberous, shaped liked cheese curls, doesnt break down as easy. I still would cover it with fabric that got down to the 10 micron range. Might consider contacting your local insul installer for a couple of buckets of that stuff.
Alternatively you could use cellulose HomeDepot offers for blow in.
Depends on what you mean by safe.

If you mean safe beyond the point that the most nuerotic among us will feel perfectly safe, then no.

If you mean safe enough that it is a million to one shot you will die of something else, then yes.

Ken
04-08-09: Kenyonbm
Depends on what you mean by safe.

If you mean safe beyond the point that the most neurotic among us will feel perfectly safe, then no.

If you mean safe enough that it is a million to one shot you will die of something else, then yes.

Ken
Kenyonbm (System | Threads | Answers)

The most amusing post of the night :^).
Thanks everyone!
I've contacted Richard from Rives Audio who shares the same opinion with you. You need to take safety measures when installing it and can be replaced by rockwool of the same density. He stated though that all acoustical treatment companies (RPG,ASC etc) use fiberglass in their products.
Fiberglass is through out your house as it is in most houses. Fiberglass is in or around your A/C or heating system. If your have an old system that is externally insolated it is done with standard insolation. If new and externally insolated it is again standard but if internal it is sealed. Most sound tubes and planks are also made with duct board not loose insolation for the most part and is less prone to seperation or flaking. You would have to take the covering off and play in it to bother it enough for it to get it into your lungs and by then your skin would be so itchy you would go out of your mind and your kids would only play with it once trust me.
I myself do not worry about it and I work with it or around it all the time.
The Owens-Corning 703 and 705 panels covered in a nice fabric are just fine,good luck,Bob
I believe 3M made some very nice sound absorbing panels, which looked great. a bit pricey but my wife loved the looks so obviously, it is a bargain!