When choosing insulating materials, property owners and construction parties have one question in mind: are rock wool insulation materials dangerous?  Much attention has been drawn to its safety as a common insulating material. The following article gives an objective analysis.

What is rock wool?

Rock wool, also called mineral wool, is an inorganic fiber product made with natural basalt and blast furnace slag as the primary raw materials after being melted at high temperatures. It boasts a very wide application due to its excellent fireproof and heat-insulating, sound-absorbing properties.

Is there any health risk?

It is safe if it is installed and used correctly;  however, there are some precautions that need to be taken during the construction process.The main risk lies in installation. In the process of construction, the fine fibres of rock wool may float in the air.  Without proper protection gear-masks, gloves, and goggles, temporary irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tracts could occur, which shows as itching or discomfort.However, after installation and sealing, and covering with materials like walls and gypsum boards, fibers will not spread in indoor air, hence posing no health threat to the occupants.

Is it carcinogenic, like asbestos?

That is a common misunderstanding.  Rock wool is not asbestos. Based on the evaluation of the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization, rock wool falls into a Group 3 carcinogen, which cannot be classified as to its carcinogenicity to humans yet. It belongs to the same category as the coffee we often drink, which means to date, there is no sufficient evidence to prove it causes cancer in humans.

Fire resistance and environmental protection performance

Rock wool is an A-level non-combustible material that resists extremely high temperatures above 1000℃, efficiently preventing fire from spreading and improving the safety of buildings. Meanwhile, it is made from natural minerals, environmentally friendly, and nontoxic by itself.

Conclusion: in themselves, rock wool insulation materials are not hazardous. The risks associated with their usage are controllable and can be fully avoided by standardized construction and relevant protective measures.  It is a cost-effective insulation option, reliable in performance, and assured of fire safety.  During installation, it is recommended that the norms of the operation should be strictly followed and the construction assigned to professionals for absolute safety.