Fiberglass: raw material for many items can expose risks in the production process
However, products containing fiberglass would not pose a risk. Disposal is still a subject of study
Helmets, roof tiles, boats, bodies, toys, gutters, sinks, pay phones, Christmas ornaments and a multitude of other products have something in common: they are made with fiberglass.
This type of fiber is a material composed of very fine glass filaments, which are aggregated through the application of resins, silicones, phenols and other compounds soluble in organic solvents. It also receives another catalyst substance that may contain potassium, iron, calcium and aluminum oxides.
In addition to being present in the aforementioned objects, architects and engineers have used fiberglass in structural reinforcement, acoustic insulation, electrical insulation, civil and military aeronautics, commercial and banking equipment. Dentists also know it well, as several prostheses are made using the material.
According to articles by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene of New York City (USA), fiberglass in its original form is a safe material, but when treated, it receives heavy metals such as chromium, making it toxic . Not to mention that fiberglass is made of a resin that is usually used together with styrene, which is very harmful to human health and the environment (considered carcinogenic and a contributor to atmospheric pollution).
In the same article, it is stated that the main problem would occur at the time of fiberglass production, when workers may come into direct contact with the material or its fragments, irritating eyes, skin, nose and throat. High levels of exposure to fiberglass fragments can aggravate asthma and bronchitis. Therefore, to reduce or avoid damage caused by fiberglass, workers should wear loose clothing with long sleeves and gloves; use an anti-particles breathing mask to avoid inhaling any fragments of fiberglass; and your eyes must be protected with goggles with side barriers. The end products in which fiberglass is used would theoretically not cause these problems when consumers handle it.
discard
What about fiberglass recycling? Very little is known about recycling and reuse of glass fibers, especially when it comes to post-consumer waste. According to the FAPESP agency, the Institute for Technological Research (IPT) has signed a partnership with the Brazilian Association of Composite Materials (Abmanco) and 19 other investing companies to sponsor research to facilitate the recycling of fiberglass and similar materials. The objective of the research is the reuse of fiberglass in production processes through mechanical processing of composite waste. Composites are materials made with a mixture of two or more plastic components forming a resin. Despite the idea being innovative and beneficial to the environment, the research in question focuses only on waste from industrial processes, nothing is mentioned in relation to post-consumer waste.
Recycling composites is more complex than recycling common plastics, as the material is more rigid due to its greater chemical complexity. According to the IPT, another challenge to be faced is how to deal with the presence of catalysts and accelerators used in the resin polymerization stage, which can remain active even after grinding the residues. Researchers are looking for ways to make these substances inert or alternatives for their reuse.
- To learn how to properly dispose of items that contain fiberglass, click here.
