Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 284: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the concerns regarding the use of fibreglass for insulation in the home; if there are health or environmental risks associated with the use of this material; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34559/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I am advised by Sustainable Energy Ireland that fibreglass has been commonly used for insulation of homes over many years. There are well established occupational health and safety protocols for working with such materials.

Insulation materials generally are not designed for direct exposure to an inhabited space. They are usually left exposed in a ventilated and unoccupied attic space. It is established recommended health and safety practice that homeowners use a dust mask when visiting such an attic space.

I am also advised that in the case of a converted or occupied attic space, or the walls of a living space, insulation materials should be properly sealed behind suitable barriers such as plasterboard in the interests of health and safety and the environment.