Mike writes from Tannersville, Pennsylvania: "I recently had a house built and the builder insulated the unfinished basement ceiling with batt insulation and the fiberglass is facing the basement. I am concerned with the health issues of exposed fiberglass since I will be working out in the basement and my kids might be playing down there. Is this type of installation a health risk? What would you recommend to cost effectively cover the insulation if I am not going to refinish the basement totally for quite some time?"

Answer: While fiber glass insulation is intended to be covered by drywall or other permanent wall covering, there is no long term health risk in the situation you describe. There is a possibility of irritation if the insulation is disturbed by, for example, hitting it with a broom handle. That irritation is a mechanical abrasion caused by the ends of the fibers scratching the skin. This is not an allergic reaction and the itching generally subsides when the source of the irritation is removed by washing it off. Covering the insulation in the ceiling with any type of temporary paper or poly film may create a fire hazard and is generally a violation of local building codes.