Occupational risk resulting from exposure to mineral wool when installing insulation in buildings

Abstract

Mineral wool is widely used for thermal and sound insulation. The subject of the study is to identify hazards for employees resulting from exposure to mineral wool, when it is used to insulate buildings, and to assess the risk arising from this exposure. When installing mineral wool insulation, respirable mineral fibers, dust, and volatile organic compounds may pose a hazard at workplaces. Based on the results of concentration measurements, it was assessed that the probability of adverse health effects related to the work of insulation installers, resulting from exposure to mineral wool fibers, is low, but for dust associated with exposure, an average health risk was estimated. An additional threat may be the sensitizing effect of substances used as binders and additives improving the utility properties of mineral wool, for example, phenol formaldehyde resins. The paper also contains some information on the labeling of mineral wool; this is very important because the label allows downstream users to recognize mineral wools, the composition and properties of which cause that they are not classified as carcinogens.

Assessment of screening mineral wool waste from market by using handheld X‐ray fluorescence

“…[3][4][5] Consequently, the fibre chemical composition changed to higher Al 2 O 3 , from 6-15% to 18-24%, and lower SiO 2 , from 43-50% to 33-43%. [1,6] In 1998, this change was reflected in EU legislation integrating test methods which exonerated mineral fibres from classification. Since 2008, Note Q of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, the EU Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation: otherwise known as the CLP, has provided the basis for this exoneration.…”

“…In practice, this means that the fibres have been tested in accordance with the European protocols and shown to be in conformity with the Note Q of the CLP. [1,[6][7][8] Non-exonerated fibres are categorized as hazardous waste, which has a large impact on transport and handling. Hence, accurate identification of chemical composition of stone wool from construction, renovation and demolishment is key to enable its recycling as raw material for new manufacturing of mineral wool or to reuse it for other applications.…”