The Viral TikTok That Has Homeowners All Saying The Same Thing
The internet is full of amazing hacks that have helped people in many ways, from improving their cleaning routines to organizing their closets and beyond. But every now and then, there are some videos that make you cringe, especially if you have kids who might want to try these things. The viral TikTok video of a young person touching fiberglass insulation in a room is one such video that's leaving all homeowners saying the same thing: That's a bad idea!
Not all insulation is the same, which is why some types are better than others for certain applications. Fiberglass is one of the leading types of insulation you might have in your walls because it is known for preventing drafts and is great at blocking noise. However, hemp insulation is a sustainable trend that may be replacing fiberglass in the future, and for good reason. Why? Fiberglass insulation is a hazardous material that should not come into contact with your skin. That's why so many people are shaking their heads at this video. The caption read, "If I'm not meant to touch it, why is it so touchable?" as the user rubbed their hands all over fiberglass insulation on camera. What they didn't show you on camera is what happens after you touch fiberglass. It's not pretty.
What is so bad about touching fiberglass insulation?
So why is this video getting so many reactions with people warning viewers of the danger of this? The short answer is because touching fiberglass is a bad idea! It is a material that is monitored by the American Chemical Society and state Departments of Health offices. The level of contact someone has with fiberglass can determine the severity of the potential damage.
@lucas.donlon Itchy insulation, im calling cap #halfarsed #insulation
If someone simply touches the fiberglass with their hands like the person in the video, they would likely experience minor skin irritation. This is generally comparable to getting stung by stinging nettle, a weed you should consider removing from your grass. However, if it comes in contact with the eyes or is in any way inhaled or ingested, the consequences can quickly become worse. Contact with the eyes, even from touching your eyes after handling fiberglass, can cause more severe burning in the eyes. In addition, inhaling insulation dust can cause burning in the throat or trigger respiratory attacks in individuals with asthma or related conditions.
While it is generally not a serious health risk to handle fiberglass with the proper equipment, improper and prolonged exposure can lead to serious respiratory conditions. State health departments recommend handling fiberglass insulation with long sleeves, gloves, protective eyewear, and N95 masks. They also recommend rinsing your eyes and washing your hands immediately after exposure to reduce the effects.