Rockwool and Asbestos have exhibit ability to resist the fire. They are used as either fire insulation or heat insulation. In fact, Rockwool and Asbestos can resist the heat up to 1,240 and 600 degree Celsius, respectively. Therefore, it can be said that Rockwool exhibits higher thermal resistance than Asbestos.
International Agency for Research on cancer (IARC) categorized the products that can cause the cancer in humans into 4 groups as listed
Group 1: Carcinogenic to humanssuch as smoke, alcohol beverages, and Asbestos.
Group 2A: Probably carcinogenic to humanssuch a silica dust of the brick or concrete.
Group 2B: Possibly carcinogenic to humanssuch a coffee beverages.
Group 3: Unclassifiable as to carcinogenic to humanssuch a Rockwool.
Group 4: Probably not carcinogenic to humans.
According to the categorization by IARC, it was found that asbestos was categorized as a carcinogenic to humans. In contrast, Rockwool was categorized as non-carcinogenic to humans because of its size. The size of Rockwool fiber is too large and rough to pass into the lungs. In worst case, it can only cause the skin irritation which can also found when you are lying on the grass. It will not pass into the body but it just to be around your nose and mouth. The lager than 3 micron fibers are allowed to pass into the lungs.
In 1990, the Board of Directors of the air quality in the building of the World Health Organization (WHO: World Health Organization) has reviewed the study and research in all areas and concluded that the level of distribution of Rockwool fibers at present do not risk to health of humans. Especially nowadays, Rockwool’s synthesis route has developed a Rockwool fiber and enhanced its ability to degrade in the body, so that it will not affect the cause of cancer.
Reference :
• dss.go.th/dssweb/st-articles/files/pep_7_2548_asbestos.pdf
• chrysotile.co.th/index.php?menu=home&language=th
• csrthailand.com/home.html
• Health & Safety Information Kit : CSR Insulation (Thailand) Ltd. : July 2008
