How is fiberglass used in homes?Fiberglass insulation has been used in home construction for approximately 70 years. It is an effective way to make homes energy-efficient and minimize noise transference. Millions of homes, apartments and offices throughout the United States are insulated with the same fiberglass insulation used by Quadrant Homes, as well as by other local homebuilders. What is fiberglass?Fiberglass looks like cotton but is actually spun fibers of glass. The glass fibers are either made of sand (as is all glass) or from recycled glass (such as bottles). No other materials are used in fiberglass insulation and fiberglass is not carcinogenic or related to asbestos. You should know that fiberglass insulation is also used in automobiles and most household appliances where energy efficiency is necessary and noise transference needs to be minimized. What happens if I am exposed to fiberglass?It is likely that we all have been exposed to fiberglass fibers. Fiberglass fibers are one of many common nuisance dusts that are present in all homes and offices, as well as outdoors. Fiberglass fibers can cause irritation of the mucous membranes. In some people, direct contact with fiberglass can irritate the skin, eyes, nose and throat. To minimize direct contact with insulation, installers usually wear gloves, eye protection and dust masks, and wash up after their installation is completed. If you need to disturb your home insulation, you should take the same common-sense precautions as workers who handle it daily. While living in your home, you will breathe a variety of nuisance dusts and particulates each day, likely to include fiberglass insulation fibers. Other common household dusts include paper and clothing fibers, pet dander, plant and moss spores, food debris, shoe wear, tire wear, sawdust, plaster flakes, rust, rodent hairs, mite debris, and insect parts. New homes will generally have higher levels of particulates throughout the home. Builder home warranties do not cover the existence of nuisance dusts, indoor air pollutants and sensitivity issues. Most fiberglass particles are too large to be inhaled. Of the few that may be inhaled, most do not reach the lung. They are either expelled or swallowed and pass harmlessly through the gastrointestinal tract. The few that might reach the deep lung will dissolve. Each person responds differently to household nuisance dusts, including fiberglass fibers. Some people have no reaction whatsoever, and the particulates are eliminated from the body without any effect. Some people are more sensitive to exposure to certain dusts, and may experience irritation from the fiberglass fibers. How can I minimize fiberglass fibers and other dust in my home?Because of the universal use of fiberglass insulation in residential construction, as well as in household appliances, all homes contain loose fiberglass insulation fibers. These fibers are non-toxic and are categorized as a nuisance dust. As such, the presence of fiberglass insulation fibers inside homes is not regulated by any government agency, regulation or standard, including the Washington State Department of Health. All nuisance dusts, including fiberglass insulation fibers, can be minimized by proper use of furnace filters and good housekeeping practices. Homeowners should use the correct filter for their furnace, and change the filter every 90 days. If the filter becomes occluded, it will place resistance on the furnace fan and air will be forced around—rather than through-- the filter. In addition, homeowners should use normal household cleaning procedures. Homeowners should regularly dust, using a damp paper towel to keep surfaces free of dust accumulations. Homeowners with greater sensitivity or allergies may consult with service providers regarding additional needs. Where can I obtain more information about fiberglass?You can learn more about fiberglass insulation by visiting the website for the American Lung Association. Visit www.lungusa.org and type the word “fiberglass” into the search field. Article #4 (“Facts About Fiberglass”) should appear. I live at Snoqualmie Ridge. How can I determine if my home has insulation in the return air duct?Homes with a furnace located in the attic and cottage homes will not have this condition. The homes most likely impacted by this condition are in the Parcel P/Q neighborhood and built prior to July 2001. You can easily determine if insulation is installed in your return air duct by removing the return air duct grill and visually inspecting the interior. You may also call Bob's Heating at (800) 840-3346 to arrange an inspection and remove any insulation, if it is present. At the same time, Bob's Heating will also install a new furnace filter at no cost to you. I don’t live at Snoqualmie Ridge but wonder if my return air duct might have improperly installed insulation. What should I do?We have identified a few homes in West Hill Heights (both the 2123 plan) where this condition does exist. We believe it is unlikely that a similar condition exists in other plans at West Hill Heights, or in any other homes outside the P/Q neighborhood at Snoqualmie Ridge. However, if you are concerned, please follow the process outlined above (removal of the return air duct and visual inspection of the plenum area). You can also contact us to perform this inspection by calling our Warranty Department at (800) 338-8733. |