OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums General Discussion Forum Off Topics Unknowingly Cut Fibreglass.

In an effort to fit a broken golf umbrella into the bin, I went to cut off some of the ends of the ribs that make up the frame of the umbrella with the 1mm cut off wheel of my angle grinder and this grey dust shot out as I cut the ends off. To my horror I discovered I was cutting fibreglass and it emitted a strong smell, which means I may have inhaled the dust.

Should I be too concerned?

I wouldn't be too concerned MF

If it were asbestos, then yes. If you were doing it everyday I would be concerned. In my opinion, you would incur greater risk doing your own brake pads on a car (especially old or unknown quality ones).

In future, cut them with big side cutters.

I was scraping an old head gasket off of an old pommie engine and bits of fibre were flying everywhere - then I thought oh sh*t, thats probably a graphite asbestos gasket, and qiuckly put on a mask.

As Tyler said it isn't life threatening but best avoided if you can. I was cutting up 1/4 inch thick pieces of glass yesterday to reinforce the corners on a tarp and all I was doing was holding my breath while I did a cut and step away to let the dust settle. I did much worse things with fiberglass when I was young and working on speed boats and I'm still going ok. I wouldn't do the things I was doing 50 years ago today because everybody is now well aware of the dangers some materials pose.

Hi MF,
Back in 1972 we bought a new stage 2 speedboat and I was fitting the gauges/switches etc to the dash. It was hot and I was not wearing a T shirt and I had to lay on my back under the dash to connect the gauges up. What a mess that made of my back later that night, it felt like it was on fire and covered in a rash. The pieces of glass I was cutting up the other day are from the engine cover from that very same boat so that is 48 years old. I have made so many bits from that cover, it is so handy, it is strong, weatherproof and insulated. Might have to start looking around for another piece for future jobs that come up
Moral of the story is if it did that to my back it is probably not good in your lungs but so far I have suffered no ill effects from it. I guess working with it everyday would have an impact on your lungs