NIOSH
Asbestos: REL-TWA, 0.1 fibers/cc (fibers >5 µm long), as an occupational carcinogen (NIOSH 1992)
Fibrous glass: REL-TWA, 3 fibers/cc, for fibrous glass fibers with diameters ≤3.5 µm and length ≥10 µm and REL-TWA of 5 mg/m3 for total fibrous glass particulates (NIOSH 1977). NIOSH (1992) notes the recommendations extend to fibrous glass (including glass fibers and glass filaments) and mineral wool (including mineral rock wool and slag wool).
So, don't breath it, do wear a mask, but don't panic because of your recent exposure.OSHA
Asbestos: PEL-TWA, 0.1 fibers/cc for fibers >5 µm long and length:width ratio ≥3:1 (OSHA 2001)
Man-made vitreous fibers: No specific PEL for glass wool, continuous filament glass, rock wool, slag wool, or refractory ceramic fibers is set. These materials are regulated under the PELs-TWAs of 15 mg/m3 for total particulate dusts and 5 mg/m3 for respirable particulates (ACGIH 1997).
Fiberglass and mineral wool: The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, the National Insulation Association, the Insulation Contractors Association of America, and OSHA established a voluntary Health and Safety Partnership Program for fiberglass and mineral wool in May 1999 (Jeffress 1999; Mentzer 1999; OSHA 1999). The program established a voluntary PEL-TWA of 1 fiber/cc for glass wool, rock wool, and slag wool. It also called for the wearing of NIOSH-certified dust respirators when the PEL is exceeded and during specific tasks.
I assume you are less than 60.Okay, so I'm not going to die in 40 years due to this exposure?
From now on I will wear a mask.
by Robert Keim
by Aaron Carman
by Aaron Carman