Malaysian workshop 'causing fibreglass poisoning'

Villagers living in close proximity to a workshop in Malaysia have claimed that working with fiberglass has negatively affected their health.

Overall, 400 residents living around a fibreglass boat workshop in Malaysia's Kedah region have lodged complaints about the affect it has on their health, reported the Malaysia Star.

Shariff Abdul Hamid, chairman of the villagers' Action Committee, claimed that winds blowing from the factory towards his home caused him to have up to three asthma attacks per day.

Secretary of the committee Mohd Yusof told the publication that "the workshop has been operating for more than two years but the health problems only surfaced a year ago".

The committee has companied to the Consumers Association of Penang.

Fibreglass, which has featured in everyday products since the 1930s, is used in thermal insulation, boat hulls, car parts and electronic consumer products.

Source: