Hazardous waste and recovery: A case study of life cycle and environmental impact assessment of glass wool

The aim of this thesis is to investigate the behaviour and impacts of glass wool on the environment. Life cycle assessment of glass wool was also studied, from obtaining raw materials for manufacturing process to waste disposal (gas, liquid, solid wastes) during production process and after consumer use. Raw materials which are used for manufacturing glass wool properties have been defined and clasified according to Hazardous Waste Control Management (Environmental Protection Agency, [EPA], 1997). Glass wool types are described according to their chemical and physical properties and usage areas. Glass wool is generally used as an insulation material (thermal, noise, chemical and water insulations). They contribute to energy conservation while on the other hand they spread potentially hazardous gases.Glass wool includes both inorganic and organic substances. The basic organic substances are phenol, formaldehyde and methanol.Formaldehyde exposure has been associated with reproductive effects such as menstrual disorders and pregnancy problems in female workers. The EPA has classified formaldehyde as Class B1, probable human carcinogen, on the basis of findings of nasal cancer in animal studies and limited human data. Phenol has been shown to cause damage to the liver, kidney and cardiovascular system in animal studies.Acute exposure to methanol (usually by ingestion) is well known to cause blindness and severe metabolic acidosis, sometimes leading to death. Chronic methanol exposure, including inhalation, may cause central nervous system disturbances possibly leading to blindness. The available data is not sufficient to classify either phenol or methanol as to potential human carcinogenicity.Formaldehyde phenol and methanol also are VOCs which are precursors to ozone formation. Ambient ozone can cause damage to lung tissue, reduction of lung function and increased sensitivity of the lung to other irritants.The harmful effects of glass wool are investigated and possible actions to be taken are determined in this study.Keywords: Glass wool, Life Cycle Assessment, Insulation, Recovery, Environmental Impact Assessment?