[SeptemberMorn]

The bottom of my feet burn. They've been swollen for a couple of weeks. The only time my feet touch the floor is when I go into the bathroom where the old tub was cut out. The floor has been swept but not mopped. Waiting for the work to be done.

[Perzephone]

Soak your feet in vinegar. Sounds weird, but the acid in vinegar helps dissolve the fiberglass particles.

***edit for new info** Ok, don't pay attention to my 'I'd probably soak 'em in as-hot-as-you-can-stand water first for a few minutes to open up all your pores' because all the things I just looked up said this would only encourage the fiberglass fibers to work their way further into the skin. Tepid water is best, followed by the vinegar, & when your feet are thoroughly dried, dry brush them gently because as your skin exfoliates, it encourages the fibers to come out on their own as well.

[(JD)]

one can also use tape to pull such fibers, splinters etc out of skin.... but I like the vinegar idea best.

[SeptemberMorn]

Thanks, Perz... I don't feel like there's anything in them. Just the bathroom was covered with white POWDER after the tub was cut out. Like I said, he swept up the powder but the floor hasn't been moped, so I pick up the powder every time I walk in there. Gonna try the tepid water and vinegar, see how that works... AFTER I mop the floor.

[Perzephone]

That's the thing about fiberglass, tho - it's kind of like poison ivy or nettles. You can't see the tiny little splintery fibers, but they're there.

The splinters can also degrade in the skin (usually in people w/high pH) & release formaldehyde, which can cause an allergic-type rash in some people. Ech!

[SeptemberMorn]

So there really IS a reaction to just walking on fiberglass dust?? Would that have made my feet swell so much... up to my ankles... or was I just retaining water? It's weird, though, how the bottoms of my feet burn. Doesn't look like I have a rash as such.

ECK is right!

[dogtanian]

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SeptemberMorn said:
So there really IS a reaction to just walking on fiberglass dust?? Would that have made my feet swell so much... up to my ankles... or was I just retaining water? It's weird, though, how the bottoms of my feet burn. Doesn't look like I have a rash as such.

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yeah, it's highly probably. i once helped my dad put insulation in our roof - i was 12 and it was exciting for me to go in the roof! he made me find my oldest clothes that i would never consider wearing again and wear those, he also made me wear a mask and goggles as well as thick gloves - it's really nasty stuff. it's made of tiny tiny particles that are immensely itchy! they can get in your eyes and throat, and if they go in your clothes, those clothes shouldn't be worn again.

i don't know about the swelling, that may be a more specific thing, but it would most definitely make you itch like mad, or get a burning sensation. it's not pleasant. this quote came from a website that supplies fibreglass - it's a little alarmist, but it confirms that it's not nice to get on your feet, poor you :S

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Skin and Eye Contact:
Many materials used in fibreglass work are corrosive, or have some undesirable affect on the skin. The simple answer is not to allow any materials to come in contact with the skin at all. Plastic gloves and barrier creams should be worn at all times. Take great care not to get it in the eyes or mouth. None of these materials should ever be swallowed, nor should they be stored in lemonade bottles or other drinking containers.

Ventilation:
Many fibreglass products give off fumes which can be harmful if inhaled in sufficiently large quantities. In normal DIY use, reasonable ventilation of the work area will be adequate. When machining finished items in cast resin or laminated fibreglass, the tiny particles of fibreglass or resin can be dangerous to the eyes and lungs. When filing, sawing or drilling, always wear goggles and a respirator/face mask.

Spillages:
Generally speaking, small spillages of resins, etc. can be absorbed in sand or earth and thrown in the dustbin. By far the safest procedure to is to take every possible precaution against accidental spillage’s happening in the first place.

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[SeptemberMorn]

WOW! Yeah, it IS dangerous! Hubby said it was but wasn't good cleaning it up.

I did the water and vinegar thing today and have been wearing my slippers. No burning! Not going to walk bare footed until I get all the floors thoroughly cleaned up.

Thanks for that info! We'll sure know next time!

fiberglass kicks ***! you be very careful. xoox

[Perzephone]

Glad we could be of help... my parents were DIY'ers - fiberglass insulation & outdoor roofing, upholstery, tarring, mechanics, plumbing, you name it, they did most of it themselves. I probably have as many household & first aid hints as Heloise...