FIBERGLASS, MINERAL WOOL & YOUR HEALTH The jury is still out, but research suggests that insulation workers should take reasonable precautions by Paul Hanke lnstallers of blowing wool–mineral wool in particular–might face health risks. But batt installers are probably safe from harm. It has long been known that asbestos is a serious environmental hazard, causing lung cancer, asbestosis, and other diseases in humans. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there is "no known safe level of exposure" to asbestos. Indeed, the very word may be enough to strike fear into the hearts of the most stalwart builders, architects, and homeowners. One result of asbestos's decline has been greater use of alternative substances such as fiberglass and mineral wool. The EPA estimates the annual production
