Does glass fiber cause cancer?
Here we need to compare glass fiber and asbestos.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral with similar properties to glass fiber. It has the properties of heat resistance, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance. It is widely used in construction, insulation, and sealing materials.
However, a single asbestos fiber can continue to split into submicron scales along the axial direction. The tiny asbestos particles are suspended in the air and will be inhaled deep into the respiratory tract and reach the alveoli. Due to the stable chemical structure of asbestos, once inhaled into the human body, it can exist for about 300 years in the physiological fluid environment of the lungs; that is, it will accompany you for life.
Suppose you are in an environment where asbestos particles float for a long time. In that case, hard and sharp asbestos fibers will continue to accumulate in the lungs, which can easily pierce the lung tissue, causing inflammation, tissue fibrosis, and even a variety of cancers. At present, due to the serious harm caused by asbestos, it has been banned or restricted in many countries and regions around the world.
In contrast, there is no clear evidence that glass fiber is carcinogenic, like asbestos fiber. However, its irritation to human skin cannot be ignored, so you should be careful when using related products.
Glass Fiber
Can chopsticks, mosquito nets, and other daily necessities containing glass fiber still be used?
Yes, they can be used.
Among the products currently on the market, glass fiber is usually fixed inside the resin material to play a reinforcing role. Under normal use, the glass fiber will be wrapped and glued by the resin and will not come out from the inside of the material to cause harm to the human body.
When selecting and using related products, you should choose regular brand products because regular products will undergo multiple safety tests before entering the market, and the safety of glass fiber products that have passed the test is still guaranteed.
However, it is recommended to use less if there are people with sensitive skin or infants at home.
What should I do if I am injured by glass fiber?
The most important thing is to prevent it before it happens. First, fully understand whether the relevant operations to be carried out will come into contact with glass fiber.
If you do need to come into contact, the first thing to do is to reduce the exposure of your skin. Be sure to cover all exposed skin with long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Always wear goggles and appropriate work gloves during the operation, and wear a dust mask to protect your throat and lungs. After the work is completed, be sure to wash your hands and face thoroughly and wash the used clothes and protective equipment separately. Do not throw clothes in living areas such as sofas.
If you have been injured by fiberglass by accident, such as piercing the skin of your hands, the following are some of the solutions that can be found at present for your reference:
If you develop a rash and itching after contact with fiberglass, please do not rub or scratch the area. Immediately wash the exposed area with warm water and mild soap, and wipe with a towel to remove the fiberglass on the skin. If you can clearly see the fiberglass in the skin, after washing the area, use a small piece of tape on the corresponding skin area and pull out the fragments with the tape. At the same time, take a shower as soon as possible to wash off other possible fiberglass residues on the skin.
Getting Fiberglass Out of Your Skin
EBS emulsion can be used for waterproofing of glass fiber
EBS emulsion, or Ethylene Bis Stearamide emulsion, plays an important role in the waterproofing of glass fiber. As a commonly used reinforcement material, glass fiber is widely used in composites, construction, automobiles, aerospace, and other fields. However, untreated glass fiber easily absorbs water in a humid environment, which not only reduces its mechanical properties but may also cause interfacial problems in composite materials, such as fiber-matrix debonding and degradation.
To overcome these challenges, EBS emulsion can be used as a water-repellent to treat glass fiber, providing the following advantages:
Improved waterproofing: EBS emulsion forms a hydrophobic protective film on the surface of glass fiber, significantly reducing the water absorption rate of the fiber. This film can prevent water from penetrating the fiber, preventing physical and chemical changes caused by moisture, thereby maintaining the structural integrity and mechanical properties of the glass fiber.
Enhanced durability: Through waterproofing, glass fiber can maintain a longer service life in humid or flooded environments. The protective layer formed by EBS emulsion helps to resist the influence of environmental factors (such as humidity, temperature changes, and chemical corrosion), ensuring the long-term stability and reliability of the fiber.
Improve composite material performance: In composite materials, glass fibers treated with EBS emulsion can better bond with the resin matrix and reduce moisture-induced interface defects such as pores and microcracks, thereby improving the overall mechanical properties and durability of the composite material.
Improve processing performance: EBS emulsion can also act as a lubricant to reduce the friction of glass fibers during processing, making the fibers smoother during drawing, weaving, or laying, reducing breakage and wear, and improving production efficiency.
Environmentally friendly: EBS emulsion is usually a water-based formula. Compared with solvent-based waterproofing agents, it has lower volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and is more in line with the environmental protection requirements of modern industry.
TRUNNANO EBS Ethylene Bis Stearamide Emulsion Cas No.: 110-30-5
Supplier
TRUNNANO is a globally recognized manufacturer and supplier of compounds with more than 12 years of expertise in the highest quality nanomaterials and other chemicals. The company develops a variety of powder materials and chemicals. Provide OEM service. If you need high quality EBS Ethylene Bis Stearamide Emulsion Cas No.: 110-30-5, please feel free to contact us. You can click on the product to contact us.