UK manufacturers of glass wool and rock wool insulation have welcomed the recent reclassification of mineral wool fibres by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
Following a review meeting held in Lyons, France from 9-16 October, a panel of international IARC scientists decided that a 'Group 3' classification was appropriate for mineral wool insulation, establishing it as "...
unclassifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans." Ian Knight, secretary general of Eurisol UK said that, even in the cautious language of the international scientific community, it confirms the long-held views of the industry that mineral wool insulation fibres are totally safe to manufacture and use.
"The reclassification of mineral wool fibres was expected," said Knight.
"It follows a review of both animal and human studies, and it is completely in line with the latest scientific knowledge in this field.
But whilst we have always been confident that the insulation wools produced by our industry posed no danger to health, IARC's decision now removes any suspicion of carcinogenic potential.
It will give our workers, customers and householders total confidence in the safety and efficiency of our products." -
