Can minimal fiberglass exposure cause long term respiratory problems?

[B30019]

I have exposed myself to fiberglass 6-8 times.  My rabbit lives in my basement which is unfinished, he is free to roam around but he has been getting into the walls and ripping up the fiber glass.  I was unaware that I should have been wearing a face mask and gloves while placing the fiberglass back in.  I have done this 6-8 times without gloves and a mask and probably have been exposed 5 minutes at a time.  I did not dust my clothes off and I did wash my hands. However I constantly hug my rabbit and kiss him and did not realize that these fiber particles could be in his fur.  I have experienced respiratory symptoms once (chest tightness and dry cough which I felt like I tasted some blood), but it went away after a day.  I am wondering if I will experience long term affects.  I know there has been no research that it can cause cancer, but these fibers of glass can cause harm to the lung tissue.  I'm pretty worried b/c I have been petting and snuggling with my rabbit who probably has fiber glass all over his fur.  

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Inhalation of fiberglass can affect the lungs. When inhaled they can irritate the lungs. If you do not have respiratory symptoms at present, it’s unlikely that it will affect long term, as the dust particles are expelled from the lungs. But if you develop symptoms like cough or breathlessness, consult your doctor for an assessment. So always wear a dust mask in these areas to help avoid inhaling glass fibers.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.

[margypops]

Your Rabbit needs fresh air he would be better in a Large hutch in the Yard ..