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MMMFs are chemical fibres defined by various applications mainly in sound or heat insulation. They are mainly used to control heat loss, absorb sound energy, filter impurities in gases and liquids, reinforce other materials and control condensation. Their insulating property means that some of them may replace asbestos in some applications. Accordingly, questions are raised as to their potential health impact on people exposed.

In July 2004, Afsset received a solicited request within the framework of the French National Health and Environment Plan (PNSE) to assess the exposure of the general population and workers to MMMFs. The objective was to specify MMMF applications and assess the resulting exposure of the general population. A multidisciplinary working group was fomed to produce an initial report in April 2007. 



This solicited request has been drafted in response to an opinion, issued during the session of 5 February 2004 by the French High Council for Public Hygiene, on the protection of the population against health risks incurred by exposure to man-made mineral fibres.

An interministerial action plan, run by the French Ministry of Health, was then established and presented on 2 April 2004. This plan outlines the recommendations of this opinion. One of these actions involves specifying applications of siliceous man-made mineral fibres and assessing exposure of the general and occupational populations.

This solicited request also falls within the scope of the PNSE, action 18 of which seeks to limit exposure of the general population to these fibres, and of the French Occupational Health Plan (PST), action 4.9 of which promotes the principle of substituting the most hazardous chemical substances (CMRs), particularly refractory ceramic fibres (RCFs).

Moreover, as this solicited request is addressed, light will be shed on applications and use of man-made mineral fibres, avoiding confusion with other fibres, particularly asbestos.

Summary of the request:

On 20 July 2004, Afsset received a solicited request from its funding ministries (Health, Environment and Employment) to conduct an assessment of past and present exposure of the general and occupational populations to silicious man-made mineral fibres. For information, this family includes refractory ceramic fibres, special-purpose glass fibres, glass wool, rock wool, slag wool and continuous glass filaments.

The main objectives focused on two main themes:

 Specifying past and present applications of these fibres, particularly how they had been used, how accessible they are, what becomes of them after use, technical characteristics, how they alter over time, etc.
 Secondly, assessing exposure of the general and occupational populations; the priority here has been given to refractory ceramic fibres and special-purpose glass fibres given their international classification.

Working method:

To respond to this solicited request, the Agency set up an ad hoc working group attached to the Committee of Specialised Experts “Air”. This request was dealt with in two stages:

 The technical part on past and present applications and use was conducted by the Agency for the French section, by hearing the manufacturers concerned. The Agency requested an external expert assessment for the European section of this part.
 The working group brought a critical viewpoint to the technical expert assessment and assessed exposure of the general and occupational populations to these fibres.

Furthermore, the Agency requested the French Scientific and Technical Centre for Construction (CSTB) to initiate a study characterising the release of fibres into the air during the different stages of handling naturally aged insulating mineral wools. This experimental study is based on laboratory tests and dust accumulation measures on site.

The solicited request responds to the general and occupational concern given the ubiquitous use of these fibres.




The first report published on Afsset’s website on 24 April 2007 contained, for RCFs and special-purpose glass fibres types E and 475, an overview of data published in the literature and collected among the main MMMF producers, processors and users. Both these types of fibre have been deemed a priority given their international classification as possible carcinogens (IARC classification: group 2B for RCFs and special-purpose glass fibres types E and 475).

On the basis of current knowledge, this report sought to answer the questions raised by the solicited request, particularly on the technical aspects associated with characteristics and uses of these fibres as well as an assessment of exposure of the general and occupational populations. It was adopted by the CSE “assessment of risks associated with air environments” during the session of 2 February 2007.

Afsset, in this report’s conclusion, issued an opinion giving a series of recommendations to improve traceability and knowledge and to reinforce prevention.

Continuation of this research, on an expert assessment method similar to the one adopted for this opinion and report, will concern other types of siliceous man-made mineral fibres including mineral wools (glass wool, rock wool, slag wool) and continuous glass filaments.

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