system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: what is fiberglass and why is it so dangerous?

I keep hearing people talk about fiberglass and I've heard of the name but I have no clue what it is. And now I keep seeing so many people freaking out bcs there is fiberglass in their mattress and I'm so confused. I've tried searching it up but I still don't really understand what it is. Can someone explain pls?
Edit: thanks for the replies and answers everyone I really appreciate it!
gpt
In this case, you can think of it as a cotton candy type material made of super fine glass shards. Fine enough that they can become airborne like particles of dust. Due to said glass shards it gives you tiny cuts on your skin if you touch it which can cause a rash/blisters, and can cause lung damage if you inhale it. It will also irritate your eyes if they are exposed to it. Inside of a mattress, fiberglass is used as a flame retardant. It's there to slow the process of the mattress catching fire if it were to start burning, as it melts and forms a sort of "barrier" to protect the flammable insides of the mattress. This layer is going to usually be located in the inner mattress cover, which you are never supposed to remove as the fiberglass will get everywhere. It is extremely difficult to remove from carpet/clothes/furniture and can even enter your HVAC system.