Ana writes from San Francisco, California: "I just went up to my dad's attic, where there are clumps of pink insulation all over the place, just lying about on the floor. I've always understood that that stuff was toxic, especially if not properly isolated from human contact. He goes up there frequently. He says it's been there since the house was built in the 70's or 80's. Is this stuff toxic? If so, how toxic, and how should it be cleaned up?"

Answer: There is no long term health risk in the situation you describe. There is a possibility of irritation if the insulation is handled. 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.

The few fibers that are small enough to become airborne and breathed into the lungs will be removed as fast as the ordinary dust we breathe every day. They simply don't stay in the body long enough to cause disease.

Based on more than 60 years of research, we believe our glass fibers are safe to manufacture and use. When working with the material we recommend following industry safe work practices to avoid irritation.

If you want to remove it, my suggestion is to rake or sweep it up and bag it. Take your time and sweep or rake "gently" to minimize dust. To minimize the temporary skin irritation associated with fiberglass insulation, you should also wear a long sleeved shirt that is loose at the neck and wrists, long pants, gloves and a cap. Wear eye protection (safety goggles, safety glasses or a face shield or a combination of these, as appropriate). And wear a disposable dust respirator to minimize the inhalation of dust. When you finish the job, launder the clothes you wore separately and take a warm-water shower with soap. Most people report no problems when they follow these procedures.