[sdiy] dust from cutting epoxy/fibreglass boards

[Grant Richter]

>
> The problem is the fibers are tiny strands of glass, It has the  
> same affects as Asbestos. It sticks in your lungs for the rest of  
> your life tearing holes in the vessels and possibly leading to  
> infections. Any mask is better then none but best to do the cutting  
> in an area you don't live in and can clean up well afterwards or  
> outside.
>

My high school girl friend ended up the head of asbestos abatement at  
OSHA. Go figure.

According to her, the problem is the long glass or asbestos fibers  
penetrate the lung wall and enter the plurea, the lining between the  
lungs and the rib cage. There bacteriophages, which is something like  
a large white blood cell, try to engulf them. If the fiber is too  
long, it pops the immune cell like a balloon, releasing messenger RNA  
and all manner of cell chemicals. Enough of these cell chemicals  
(which are suppose to be INSIDE the cell) running around loose in the  
plurea and bad things happen.

So sensible precautions are in order (breathing protection, vacuuming  
up dust), but glass fibers are generally less dangerous than  
asbestos. Due to the geometry of the fiber, how long, how sharp, how  
wide etc.

And yes do wear breathing protection when installing fiberglass  
insulation.