Sound insulation · Stone wool
ROCKWOOL Safe 'n' Silent Pro
- Thickness
- 25–100 mm
- Density
- 40–100 kg/m³
- Sound absorption (NRC)
- 0.90–1.00
Is stone wool dangerous?
In short
Stone wool (rock wool) is not asbestos. Stone wool is a man-made fibre spun from molten rock; asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre that is restricted or banned in many countries. In 2001 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) placed insulation stone wool and glass wool in Group 3 (not classifiable as to carcinogenicity to humans). The fibres can still cause temporary irritation of the skin, eyes and airways during installation, so wear protective equipment.
How are they different?
| Stone wool | Asbestos | |
|---|---|---|
| --- | --- | --- |
| Origin | Man-made: molten rock spun into fibres | Naturally occurring mineral fibre |
| Use today | Thermal, acoustic and fire insulation | Restricted or banned in many countries |
| Thai name | ใยหิน | แร่ใยหิน |
The Thai names are very similar, which is why the two are often confused.
IARC classification
IARC Monographs Volume 81 (evaluated 2001, published 2002) classified "insulation glass wool, rock (stone) wool and slag wool" in Group 3. Some other fibres, such as refractory ceramic fibres, remain in Group 2B. For any specific product, check the manufacturer's safety data sheet (SDS).
Handling during installation
Protective equipment
- Wear gloves, long sleeves and long trousers
- Wear eye protection and a dust mask, especially when cutting or working overhead
- Cut with a knife rather than high-speed tools that create dust
- Keep the area ventilated and clean up with a vacuum
- Rinse skin with cold water after work
Sources
- IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, Volume 81: Man-made Vitreous Fibres (2002)
- Manufacturers' safety data sheets (SDS) for each product
Related products
Categories and example products for this topic
- ROCKWOOL Safe 'n' Silent Pro — Stone wool used in homes: slab for wall and ceiling cavities, non-combustible class A1
- ROCKWOOL Rock Chill — Fully foil-wrapped stone wool for ceilings; the maker advises wearing gloves to install
Building thermal insulation · Stone wool
ROCKWOOL Rock Chill
- Thickness
- 75 mm
- Width
- 600 mm
- Length
- 4,000 mm