rockwool...
High gunnerbear!
Rock wool is a product that made from "glass" and some additives.It's major component is silica as far as I know.The fine fibers are kept together by a chemical resin-at least they should be.But the stuff is considered so dangerous that the EU made legislations (still not translated into Irish law!) that it must be wrapped and packed to avoid inhaling the fine fibers(less than 40 micrometers in length).It's effect is similar to asbestos fibers.
The continentals have reacted faster.When you visit the B&Q shop the next time check their insulation material.They offer Irish standard hazardous material as well as the EU standard material.The "new" material-rock wool as well-is from a company "knauf",original a German plasterboard manufacturer but now worldwide expanding.Knauf manufactures rock wool that is wrapped and packed in paper.No itch,no scratch,no protective gear- it says on the packet.All you do is measure out the width of the space you want to cover (usually between the floor beams 30-40 cm) and buy the according material.Roll it out and DON'T cut it,just overlap if necessary.
The fibre problem could be a serious problem if you want to sell your home.Who would buy an asbestos polluted home for example? Well ,our well meaning gouvernment is more bothered about the health of the publicans and their clients than about everyones health-in 99% of all newly build homes loose rock wool is flying around.It's good for business I suppose.....
The best would be to stay away from the rock wool totally,but you need some form of insulation.So sheep wool or other natural materials would be the best but these are also expensive.So a compromise is the wrapped stuff-as long as the package is not open.But didn't they say that about the asbestos as well....
Check the Knauf home page(google), there are other manufacturers as well.
This is the good thing about globalisation:B&Q bought Germany's largest DIY chain OBI and their knowhow and they stick to the higher health standards,one of the rare cases where the consumers can benefit.Do it as well,you have only one lung and one diaphragm-there is no known cure to cancer in the diaphragm caused by mineral fibers.And lung transplants are not covered by our health system.