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Does Prolonged Exposure To Fiberglass Adversely Affect Pulmonary Function?
Hi I have a few questions.... We lived in a home that was not properly set up we found out that we had mold and that daughter had been breathing in fiberglass insulation where they didn t properly hook up the duct work for the air conditioner. She started having lung problems when we moved in. She had several cases of pneumonia and RSV, she was always wheezing. she has been on nebulizer treatments and steroids. She just recently started seeing a allergist who is referring her to a pulmonologist. My question is even after two years of being out of the house could there be a good possibility that she has the scarring on her lungs from the insulation.
Wed, 24 Oct 2018
Hi,
Fiberglass is a multipurpose material used in the construction of buildings, automobiles, fabric and sporting goods. Fiberglass strands or dust can be easily inhaled. Mucous membranes in air passages are particularly sensitive to foreign particles. The inhaled particles can irritate these membranes, and, might cause "bronchitis-like symptoms" or discolored phlegm.
Health effects from exposure to fiberglass can be different depending on the fiber size and type of exposure. Larger fibers have been found to cause skin, eye and upper respiratory tract irritation.
Airway irritation related to fiberglass can sometimes trigger asthma symptoms in those previously diagnosed, potentially worsening his or her condition.
Long-term effects of exposure to fiber glass will also depend on the type of fiber and amount inhaled. As you've moved out of the source, symptoms have to wane off.
I also suggest consulting a pulmonologist who will examine the airway and will be able to decide the medication.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Prabhash Verma,
General & Family Physician
Fiberglass is a multipurpose material used in the construction of buildings, automobiles, fabric and sporting goods. Fiberglass strands or dust can be easily inhaled. Mucous membranes in air passages are particularly sensitive to foreign particles. The inhaled particles can irritate these membranes, and, might cause "bronchitis-like symptoms" or discolored phlegm.
Health effects from exposure to fiberglass can be different depending on the fiber size and type of exposure. Larger fibers have been found to cause skin, eye and upper respiratory tract irritation.
Airway irritation related to fiberglass can sometimes trigger asthma symptoms in those previously diagnosed, potentially worsening his or her condition.
Long-term effects of exposure to fiber glass will also depend on the type of fiber and amount inhaled. As you've moved out of the source, symptoms have to wane off.
I also suggest consulting a pulmonologist who will examine the airway and will be able to decide the medication.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Prabhash Verma,
General & Family Physician
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