AMF fibre measurements with SG12 for mineral wool insulation

With the specially developed for fibre measurements according to VDI 3492 SG12 can also be used to sample roof insulation for potential sources of danger. Roof insulation is often made of glass wool or rock wool, which are classified as AMF (artificial mineral fibers). According to TRGS 905, these fibers can be carcinogenic.

The longer, thinner and more biopersistent a fiber is, the more carcinogenic it can be classified according to the carcinogenicity index (CI).


AMF fibre measurements with SG12 measuring devices

The SG12 is the right measuring device for attic refurbishments, in particular to sample the KMF that can be released during the removal of old roof wool with fibre measurements . The stationary measuring device SG12 can also be used to measure the various dust fractions such as A-dust or E-dust.


Artificial mineral wool for insulating the roof

Artificial mineral fibers (AMF) are often used for the insulation of roofs. This mineral wool consists of artificially produced mineral fibers (AMF). The mineral wool is available either as a soft non-woven product or compacted in the form of boards are available. Mineral wool is mainly used for thermal insulation. The positive properties of glass wool and rock wool include the fact that they are non-combustible and therefore fire-retardant.


Roof insulation made of mineral wool no longer classified as carcinogenic as of 1996

The extent to which mineral wool (glass and rock wool) in roof insulation can potentially damage health depends on how it is processed. Normally, the living area is relatively well sealed against the release of AMF fibers by plaster, coverings such as plasterboard or vapor barriers. This means that major releases of these hazardous fibers are unlikely. However, there is a particular risk when installing mineral wool and especially during renovation work involving the removal of old roof insulation. Special safety precautions must be taken during this work. For example, installers must wear protective, closed work clothing and protective gloves when handling these fiber products. The “old” mineral fiber products were respirable, as the fibers had a diameter of less than 1 to 3 μm . They were therefore considered carcinogenic and hazardous to health.

In general, roof insulation made of mineral fibers is no longer considered carcinogenic for products from 1996 onwards no longer carcinogenic classified. The year of manufacture of the installed mineral fiber product is therefore an important indicator of a possible health risk from released fibers. From 1996, a new generation of mineral wool insulation materials came onto the market that were no longer classified as carcinogenic. From 2000, mineral wool may only be produced, marketed or processed in accordance with the defined specifications of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance. The RAL mark as a quality mark is also an indication that the mineral wool product, for example for roof insulation, is considered harmless and is not carcinogenic.


Insulation material of the new generation – CC mineral wool

One of the major advantages of the “new” mineral fiber products, the so-called CC mineral wool as used for roof insulation, is their new property that their fiber size is larger. The new fiber size is therefore no longer respirable. With the new fiber size of over 3 micrometers, the fibers can still enter the lungs. However, they are no longer carcinogenic. The other properties that the “new” mineral wool products” must have are described in the Hazardous Substances Ordinance, Annex II with the exemption criteria. The new mineral wool products must fulfill at least one criterion in order not to be classified as carcinogenic. One of the most important properties is the so-called “biosolubility” of the mineral wool. This enables manufacturers to prove that their products are made from more easily biodegradable substances such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and barium oxides. These should be able to be broken down by the body’s own substances.


AMF fibre measurements with SG12 for mineral wool insulation: Answers to frequently asked questions

1. How exactly does the SG12 measuring device work and how is it used for fibre measurements?

The SG12 measuring device has been specially developed for measuring asbestos. It enables the measurement of very low concentrations of asbestos fibers. The device is suitable for sampling inorganic fibrous particles in accordance with VDI 3492 and ISO 14966 as well as asbestos or AMF.


2. What specific protective measures should be taken when working with mineral wool?

When handling mineral wool, it is important to take suitable protective measures. These include wearing protective clothing, gloves and respirators to avoid exposure to the fibers.



3. How can it be determined whether the mineral wool used in a building was manufactured before or after 1996?

The date of manufacture of the mineral wool used in a building can be determined by professional material testing. This test can provide information as to whether the mineral wool was manufactured before or after 1996.

4. Are there alternatives to mineral wool for roof insulation that pose fewer health risks?

There are several alternatives to mineral wool for roof insulation that are considered safer. These include materials such as wood fiber, cellulose and hemp, all of which have excellent insulating properties and pose fewer health risks.


Sources:

Image source: 123rf.com © nikocingaryuk, image no. 124967143 _S

www.bfga.de/arbeitsschutz-lexikon-von-a-bis-z/fachbegriffe-j-r/kmf-fachbegriff/

www.baua.de/DE/Angebote/Rechtstexte-und-Technische-Regeln/Regelwerk/TRGS/TRGS-905.html

www.baua.de/DE/Angebote/Rechtstexte-und-Technische-Regeln/Regelwerk/TRGS/pdf/TRGS-521.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2

www.innenraumluft.nrw.de/4_schadstoffe/kuenstlicheMineralfaserProdukte.php

www.ral-guetezeichen.de/hochwertig-und-umweltschonend-mineralwolle-mit-dem-ral-guetezeichen/

www.de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mineralwolle