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Photographic gallery.  Thousands of particles under the microscope.
Glass Fiber Under the Microscope

Glass Fiber from Wallboard Joint Tape

This is the debris from sanding wallboard joints where glass fiber joint tape is used.

Transmitted Off Crossed Polarized Light Oblique Illumination

Definition/Function:

The Joint Tape used to smooth out the joints between drywall panels is reinforced with glass fiber.

Significance in the Environment:

Glass fiber from wallboard joint tape is often a construction residue in new or remodeled buildings. It is seldom at levels that results in health complaints by itself but it can add to the overall level of glass fiber contamination related to construction residues.

Characteristic Features:

This glass fiber typically has a refractive index of about 1.550 and is about 10 micrometers in diameter.

Associated Particles:

References: