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SAFETY

 

Product Safety
Knauf Insulation manufacturer’s a wide range of Glasswool insulation products that come in various forms (batts, rolls, and loose for blow-in applications). World-wide, Glasswool is one of the most commonly used insulation products; this is because it provides a safe and cost-effective solution for thermal, acoustic and fire performance in buildings.


To address concerns surrounding other unrelated insulation materials, extensive scientific research has been carried out to assess the safety of Glasswool.


Glasswool insulation products manufactured by Knauf Insulation poses no risk to human health, or to the environment, and can be safely used in any applications where their superior and extensive properties can protect building, the environment, and the population as a whole from energy loss, global warming, fire and sound nuisance.


The results of intensive studies into human exposure, both in manufacturing and in the user industry, show no link between exposure to glasswool fibre and an increased risk of respiratory disease. Although mineral wool does not cause respiratory disease, it is generally accepted that any form of dust can exacerbate an existing condition. Therefore, when installing insulation in a dusty environment, we recommend wearing a disposable face mask as method of protection.


Furthermore, all products manufactured by Knauf Insulation are made of non-classified fibres (fibres that are less bio-persistent than every day dust) and are certified by EUCEB. EUCEB, European Certification Board of Mineral Wool Products - www.euceb.org, is a voluntary initiative by the mineral wool industry. It is an independent certification authority that guarantees that products are made of fibres, which comply with the exoneration criteria for carcinogenicity (Note Q) of the Regulation (EC) 1272/2008.To help user’s identify the safety of our Glasswool fibres the EUCEB logo is displayed on our product packaging and/or labels.


More commonly in Australia, local insulation manufacturer’s display the FBS-1 logo to help user’s identify bio-soluble fibres, this logo is also applicable for Glasswool products manufactured by Knauf Insulation.

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Global Independent Research
Many tens of millions of pounds have been spent since the 1950s on independent research, which has been systematically reviewed by many national, European and international authorities; including the European Commission in 1997, and IARC (the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organisation) in 2001. In addition, the huge epidemiological studies of 44,000 workers in Europe and the USA conducted over the last 20 years have shown no link between exposure to Glasswool fibres and any form of disease, which was confirmed with the latest IARC review.

European health and safety legislation confirms that Knauf insulation, Glasswool products are not classified as a possible human carcinogen.

Indoor Air Quality
There are a number of misconceptions about the levels of airborne fibres. Here are some relevant facts:

  • • Once installed, Glasswool does not release fibres into the air. Measurements taken within insulated buildings have shown that the levels of airborne mineral wool fibres are so low that they are not usually detectable.
  • • Glasswool fibres are not usually detected in the lungs of the general population.

 

The conclusion is that the levels of fibre in the air are not only very low, but even if exposure has occurred, they are not retained in the lung long enough to be hazardous.

Glasswool manufactured with ECOSE® Technology is a low emitting product supported by EUROFINS GOLD meaning compliance with EU regulations, voluntary environmental labels.

Furthermore, no ozone depletion products, flame retardants, short chain chlorinated paraffins, asbestos, crystalline silica or pesticides are used in the manufacture of Knauf Insulation Glasswool.

Handling and Installation
Glasswool from Knauf Insulation has been installed by thousands of professional installers and DIYers around the world. Simply by following our easy to follow installation instructions which are available on our packaging or to watch on our websites you will receive comprehensive guidance on how to safely install our products.

Some people experience temporary discomfort (or itching) when handling Glasswool. This itching is a mechanical reaction to the coarse fibres and generally abates shortly after exposure has ceased. Knauf Insulation manufacture’s Glasswool using the latest fiberisation technology which results in a soft and comfortable to handle Glasswool. There is no evidence of any resulting long term skin irritation or any other skin conditions.