The predecessor of mineral wool is asbestos. After asbestos was gradually replaced, mineral wool became a substitute for asbestos. For a long time, asbestos was used as an insulation material. But in 1900, after it was discovered that asbestos would cause harm to human products, asbestos was defined as a material that has an impact on health, and is damage to lung health. From this, mineral wool appeared as a substitute material.
Will mineral wool have any problems for health?
The effects of glass wool and asbestos fibers can be compared with asbestos fibers. In the past we did not know that asbestos is very harmful. The results of the role of fibers in glass wool and mineral wool are only now being seen, so we must handle them carefully. The key is that these substances are harmful, but people are not fully aware of this, which is what we have to worry about. If we have a substitute for asbestos, then we will easily accept it. But if the material is changed and there is a gap from what we expected, perhaps it is not enough attention to this fact.
Mineral wool, as a substitute for asbestos, the answer to this question lies in the method used to test mineral wool. Mineral wool was initially listed as a carcinogen and a substance harmful to humans by the World Health Organization and cancer research institutions. Then the mineral wool industry changed the composition of their products, and then further testing was carried out. In 2002, mineral wool was listed as a carcinogen. However, because an important "binder" was removed, this also improved the rock wool material.
There is a clear case of retesting to ensure that the material is tested when actually sold, including the binder. It seems that mineral wool may face a ban later, similar to the ban imposed on its cousin asbestos. At the same time, some protective measures can be considered to try to reduce the temporary risk of personnel installing, removing or disposing of mineral wool. Mandatory use of appropriate safety equipment by construction workers, such as masks, is a recommended temporary measure. Large and clear product labels are another, so that users can understand the health risks they face and guide how to start protecting themselves.
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