Fiberglass in lungs?? Can it be removed??

Question

When I was younger I was exposed to a good amount of fiberglass dust and other dust particles. Can these foreign items be removed from the lung tissue naturally through macrophage removal or through a medical process, I am 17 and it bothers me that my body is healthy but my lungs are not. Any info on lung health and stuff like that is appreciated.

Answer 1

I read a technical document on synthetic vitreous fibers, of which fiberglass is an example.  It states that fiberglass can dissolve in the lungs. Most of the fiberglass that is taken into the body is flushed by water and mucous out of the nasal passages and throat and into the stomach, where they are passed through.  Cells of the immune system, such as macrophages, can ingest small fiberglass particles.  The macrophages then move to the mucous layer, and on to the stomach and beyond.  Larger particles in the lungs often dissolve to smaller ones, and then are engulfed by the macrophages or removed by coughing.

So ... what condition is your lungs in? Or ... are you making an assumption of your lung health based on your exposure with no empirical evidence?

Just wondering ...

Answer 2

I don' think it can be removed since it has been there long enough...

But is it doing anything physical, menta etc etc to you? If it is consult your local doctor.

NOw try to get some fresh air and keep out of polluted areas.

Good luck to you and your health.

Answer 3

Dude no way.

They haven't invented lung surgery yet.

Answer 4

Have you discussed this with the Dr. who takes care of you for this?

I hope you have a specialist. I have never heard of removal of the fiberglass dust but there could be. I hope so for your sake. The damage may have already been done and is irreversible. This is something your Dr. would have to tell you. I hope your trouble is

not progressive and that your lungs are not effected very bad.