you could gently wipe any larger, visible pieces of fiberglass off your skin with a damp cloth.
If there is still irritation, see a healthcare provider.
Fiberglass shards will continue to cause problems if they stay in your skin.
Science Photo Library / Getty Images
Fiberglass can cause problems if it enters your eyes, nose, or throat.
What Is Fiberglass?
Fiberglass is a synthetic or man-made material that consists of tiny fibers of glass.
It is a common source of insulation in homes.
Once exposed, you may experience pain,itching, skin irritation, coughing, and wheezing.
The long-term effects of fiberglass exposure are not well documented.
This usually occurs on any skin that was exposed while working with fiberglass.
Does showering remove fiberglass?
Avoid taking a hot shower if you have fiberglass in your skin.
The heat can open your pores and allow the fiberglass particles to work their way deeper into your skin.
Instead, it is best to wash the exposed area with cold water and soap.
This can cause eye irritation and/or soreness and irritation in the nose and throat.
Exposure to fiberglass can lead to respiratory symptoms as well.
Risk of Cancer
Fiberglass exposure can lead to irritation, but it has not been linked tocancer.
Exposure to Fiberglass
Exposure to fiberglass is most likely to happen at work.
Fiberglass is used in insulation, walls, ceilings, and ventilation ducts.
If fiberglass materials are damaged, they can release tiny particles into the air.
These tiny particles look like dust.
When this happens, you may touch, ingest, or breathe them in without realizing it.
Workers who install or fix insulation are at an increased risk of coming in contact with fiberglass.
If the insulation or structures in your home contain fiberglass, its unlikely that you will ever be exposed.
Fiberglass exposures are usually only a risk when youre handling damaged materials or moving them around the house.
Can vinegar help remove fiberglass?
There is no scientific evidence that vinegar helps get fiberglass out of your skin.
Health providers typically recommend washing with soap and water.
As of 1999, theOccupational Safety and HealthAdministration (OSHA) established guidelines for limiting workers exposure to fiberglass.
What dissolves fiberglass?
The solvents that are typically used to dissolve fiberglass cannot be used on the skin.
Instead, healthcare providers recommend washing the skin with soap and water to remove fiberglass particles.
If you continue to experience skin irritation or pain, see your healthcare provider for medical assistance.
Washington State Department of Health.Fiberglass.
Owens Corning.Material safety data sheet.
Insulation Institute.Health & safety.
Jakasa I, Thyssen JP, Kezic S.The role of skin barrier in occupational contact dermatitis.Exp Dermatol.
2018;27(8):909-914. doi:10.1111/exd.13704
Illinois Department of Public Health.Fiberglass.
United States Department of Labor.Synthetic mineral fibers.
