Is Ceramic Fibre Carcinogenic?

[Calaf]

Is Ceramic Fibre Carcinogenic? Short answer: ‘NO’. Long answer: a highly qualified ‘possibly’.

I was rather sceptical when hearing the assertion that ceramic fibre is a carcinogen so decided to investigate. Fortunately I know a professor of metallurgy who said he would ask a ceramics boffin in his department. I thought his answer would be of interest here.

To recount his advice, claims that ceramic fibre is carcinogenic are unnecessarily alarmist. Ceramic fibre presents the same health hazards as the glass fibre insulation we all put in the loft over our children’s bedrooms. (US: NFPA class 1 = slight and Europe: R-phrase R36,37,38 = skin, eye and lung irritant.) It is advisable to wear eye protection and a mask when handling but once encapsulated into a kiln or loft presents no risk whatsoever. If used as a shelf within a kiln it is prudent to give it a coat of rigidiser to lock the fibres.

Although the European Union does not designate Ceramic Fibre with any cancer related R-phrases. the IARC (Int'l Agency for Research on Cancer, an agency of the UN's WHO) lists it as a type 2b carcinogen (possible carcinogen in humans). To put that into perspective, it’s in the same category as Powdered Milk, Polystyrene, Forest Bracken, Coffee, Mothballs and Pickled Onions. Not Plutonium.

Body soluble blankets are supposedly made from degradable fibres that will metabolize in the body if inhaled. There is no conclusive evidence that they are less hazardous than regular ceramic fibre and carry the same NFPA class 1 rating and R-phrases. Interestingly, non-carcinogen Calcium Silicate is NFPA class 2 (=moderate) so theoretically more harmful than ceramic fibre.

If it worries you, fear not! The Daily Mail, that stalwart authority on all matters of cancer, has the answer:
www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-449393/Strawberry-daiquiris-help-fight-cancer.html

[tonyb]

Calaf, I think its a little wider than 'just' being carcinogenic ie causing cancer. I may be wrong but I think the main problem with asbestos is not that its carcinogenic, but that it affects the lining of the lungs.

Anyway, the main problem is when handling the stuff rather than in situ in a wfo, and people need to take reasonable precautions ie mask, gloves and goggles, use minimum handling also choose body soluble if possible.

[Calaf]

Hi Tony,

Yes, Asbestos would be another matter. It is known to cause a nuimber of lung problems, including cancer, and is a banned product throughout Europe I think. There's no disputing it's hazard.

Ceramic Fiber seems to have acquired some health concerns but I wonder if those concerns are exaggerated by the manufacturers and vendors of (more expensive) "body soluble" alternatives.

[turkey]

it is quite possible its over egged, I suppose as you say most advice comes from those commercially involved one way or the other which does not help.

I did see a spec sheet which indicated the UK had exposure guidelines, and based on the acceptable levels a decent disposal dust mask is a minimum for use whilst handling / working with it.

but all health data I saw was anecdotal based on animal trials, those luck mice.

I think its probably fine but I think I will plump for the body soluble blanket just in case. Hate loft insulation so if the cf is anything like that and I have an option to use something less nasty I think it may be worth it....

[baronkev]

Its funny how most people are more likely to believe a convincing salesman or a mate at the pub than a qualified Scientist who spends his life studying the subject.

[angrew]

The problem with ceramic fibre is not when it is new it is when it has been fired to over 1800 c the cf changes it structure and forms cilica causing lung disease and as it happens the body soluble stuff is worse than the normal when it has been fired I work with it every day and where the same mask as we use for asbestos even if the cf is new !

[Fat Bob]

Lungs are made for air not dust - keep dust out.

[bookemdanno]

Exactly my philosophy, anything but Air is likely to cause lung problems of varying degrees from a little extra Phlegm to death.
Trouble is, where can you find decent untainted air these days?
Maybe the beach on an onshore day....

[Fat Bob]

In the woods behind my house.