2013-01-17 10:46:59
The family of vitreous siliceous artificial mineral fibers (FMA) includes refractory ceramic fibers (RCF), special purpose glass fibers, glass wool, rock wool, slag wool and continuous glass filaments. Artificial mineral fibers are chemical fibers defined by various applications mainly in sound or thermal insulation. They are therefore used to control heat loss, absorb acoustic energy, filter impurities in gases and liquids, reinforce other materials or control condensation.
Their insulating property has made it possible for certain applications, and for certain fibers, to use them as a substitute for asbestos. Thus, questions are asked about their potential impact on the health of exposed people.
In this context, the Agency was contacted in July 2004, within the framework of the National Health and Environment Plan (PNSE), in order to specify the applications of artificial mineral fibers and to assess the exposure of the general population as well as that of workers. It was in detail:
- specify the past and current applications relating to these fibers, in particular the history of their use, their accessibility, their fate after use, the technical characteristics and the evolution of fibrous materials with the aging of the structure. The study must also identify the additives present in these fibers, technical developments and the existence of non-dangerous or less dangerous substitute products or processes, indicating the frequency of use of these alternatives;
- assess the exposure of the general and professional population.
The processing of this referral has, moreover, made it possible to shed light on the applications and use of artificial mineral fibers by avoiding amalgamation with other fibers and in particular asbestos.
The Agency has entrusted the Committee of Specialized Experts (CES) “Evaluation of risks linked to air environments” with the examination of this referral. A dedicated working group, attached to the CES, was created for the occasion. This work gave rise to two reports, the first relating to FCR and special-purpose glass fibers of type E and type 475, the second focusing on other representatives of FMA: mineral wools and continuous glass filaments. .
Results and recommendations
The first report, published in April 2007, constitutes, for FCR and special-purpose glass fibers type E and type 475, a synthesis of data published in the literature and collected from the main producers, processors and users of FMA . These two types of fibers were considered priorities in view of their international classification as a possible carcinogen (IARC classification[1] group 2B for RCF and special purpose glass fibers type E and 475).
This report endeavored to respond to the questions raised by the referral concerning in particular the technical aspects linked to the characteristics and uses of these fibers, but also to the evaluation of the exposure of the general and professional population and the possibilities of their replacement by less dangerous materials. It was adopted by the CES “assessment of risks linked to air environments” during the meeting of February 2, 2007.
The Agency, at the conclusion of this report, issued an opinion setting out a series of recommendations aimed at improving traceability and knowledge and strengthening prevention.
The 2nd report, published in November 2008, follows on from the previous one and focuses on other representatives of artificial mineral fibers: mineral wools and continuous glass filaments.
Mineral wools and continuous glass filaments have been classified in group 3 of the IARC, i.e. “Unclassifiable as to their carcinogenicity for humans”. They are exempt from classification as a carcinogenic substance by the European Union when they meet the criteria of European Directive 97/69/EC. Mineral wools remain classified as irritating to the skin.
The Agency’s report identifies issues related to product characteristics and traceability and notes that data are limited for exposure of the general population to mineral wool and continuous glass filaments. The exposure of workers who handle these materials is a little better documented.
The Agency, at the conclusion of this report, issued an opinion setting out a series of recommendations aimed in particular at strengthening knowledge of the characteristics of products and their traceability, at better characterizing professional exposure and that of the general population and at implementing place preventive measures.
[1] International Agency for Research on Cancer
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