No long-term health effects should occur from touching fiberglass. Eyes may become red and irritated after exposure to fiberglass. Soreness in the nose and throat can result when fibers are inhaled. Asthma and bronchitis can be aggravated by exposure to fiberglass.

Fiberglass Exposure Airborne fiberglass particles may become lodged in the eyeball, under the eyelid, or in the corners of the eye, causing painful irritation. When inhaled, these particles can cause irritation of the throat, nasal passages, and mouth, as well as coughing, nosebleeds, and other respiratory problems.

The UB researchers have found that once this glass fiber, known as RIF (HT), is inhaled, its long, strong, glass fibers are broken down into smaller pieces outside of cells, apparently through the same mechanism that the body uses to break down old bone.

Wash the area with running water and mild soap. You can also use a washcloth to help remove the fibers. If you can see fibers protruding from the skin, you can carefully apply and remove tape so the fibers stick to the tape and are pulled out of the skin. If the irritation persists, see a doctor.

So from the front, you see the coloured smooth gelcoat, which can look quite similar to injection-moulded plastic or acrylic. Fibreglass doesn’t easily make sharp corners, but it can make double-convex or saddle shapes quite easily. That differentiates it from metal sheet, which has the opposite properties.

The first test to tell if you have a fiberglass shower is to press on the material. Acrylic and fiberglass tubs and showers both have a little give to them, so when you press on them, you might be able to feel the slight flexibility.

Look for dulling of the color. Fiberglass shower color fades over time. Look in different areas of the shower for inconsistency in color. In addition, if the shower surface is cold to the touch even in a heated bathroom, it is likely fiberglass, as acrylic is warm.

Look around the tub’s edges and see if it appears thinner; this could be an indication that it is acrylic. Acrylic tubs usually come in more colors than fiberglass tubs, as fiberglass tubs are commonly white. Acrylic also feels warmer to the touch than fiberglass, and tubs made of acrylic have smoother finishes.

What Is the Best Kind of Bathtub to Get?

• Porcelain enameled cast iron (Cast Iron) – Best All Around; See Kohler Cast Iron Bathtubs.
• Thermoformed acrylic (Acrylic) – Better to Excellent; See Kohler Acrylic Bathtubs and Aquatic Bathtubs.
• Cast Polymer (Cultured Marble, Onyx, limestone) – Excellent; See Victoria Albert Bathtubs.

Acrylic