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Synthetic Mineral Fibers |
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There is insufficient evidence that synthetic mineral
fibers cause respiratory disease in humans. Results from animal experiments have
led to conservative classifications of certain synthetic mineral fibers as
possible human carcinogens. Specifically, insulation glass wool, continuous
glass filament, rock (stone) wool, and slag wool are not classifiable as to
their carcinogenicity to humans. The following resources aid in recognizing
synthetic mineral fiber hazards in the workplace.
Carcinogenicity
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Report on Carcinogens (RoC). US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Public
Health Services, National Toxicology Program (NTP).
- Ceramic Fibers (Respirable Size). 188 KB
PDF,
1 page. Discusses the carcinogenicity, properties, use, production,
exposure, and regulations of ceramic fibers.
- Glasswool (Respirable Size). 192 KB PDF,
2 pages. Discusses the carcinogenicity, properties, use, production,
exposure, and regulations of glasswool.
- Evaluations
of Fibers as to their Carcinogenicity. OSHA, (2003, November). Based on Section 5.5 of "Man-made Vitreous
Fibres." International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) 81(2002).
- For additional information, see OSHA's
Carcinogens Safety and Health Topics Page.
Toxicology
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Synthetic Vitreous Fibers.
US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR) ToxFAQs. (2004, September).
Provides a fact sheet which answers the most frequently asked health
questions about synthetic vitreous fibers.
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Synthetic Vitreous Fibers. US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Toxicological Profile, (2004, September).
- Marsh, G.M, J.M. Buchanic, and A.O. Youk. "Historical Cohort Study of US Man-Made Vitreous Fiber
Production Workers." Journal of Occupational and Environmental
Medicine 43.9(2001, September): 803-808. Includes an overview of exposure
assessment and exposure-specific job analysis.
- Refractory
Ceramic Fibers. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Integrated Risk
Information System (IRIS),
(1993, July 1). Discusses the health effect information for refractory
ceramic fibers.
- Criteria
for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Fibrous Glass.
US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication
No. 77-152, (1977, April). Includes health effects, exposure, work
practices, sampling, and control information for fibrous glass. Included as
an historical reference.
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