Field measurements of settled mineral fibers in public and office buildings

Mineral wool products are used as thermal insulation in walls and as soundproofing of ventilation equipment and as acoustic ceiling. Main component of mineral wool products is mineral fibers. They have been suggested to cause irritation of skin, eyes and respiratory system. The number of mineral fibers released from mineral wool products, especially ceiling tiles, are suggested to be affected by age of product. This paper presents results of measurements of settled mineral fibers on in 13 public or office buildings. Spaces were evaluated if there is visible mineral fibers sources, mainly acoustic ceiling tiles. Measurements were performed by collecting fibers in a Petri dish in 14 days period. Total number of samples were 78 and on 12 samples fiber amount exceeded current action limit value used in Finland. Results shows no connection between age of building and visible sources of mineral fibers on number of measured settled fibers.