Light fibrous material (LFM) is basically shredded polyester fabric that is used in vehicle carpets and other fabric components. This material is very light and can become airborne and blow offsite if not properly managed. This material has been evaluated according to DTSC health risk assessment protocols and under typical exposure scenarios, does NOT pose a significant health risk, even to sensitive receptors (e.g., children).

LFM is too large to be inhaled (i.e., is “non-respirable”).

LFM also cannot be absorbed through the skin.

Someone could accidentally ingest LFM but this is very unlikely. LFM would be obvious on someone’s hands and would be brushed or washed off rather than eaten.

DTSC’s own risk assessor reached the same conclusion and stated at a community meeting that LFM does not pose a risk to local residents based on the very low potential for exposure.

While LFM is technically categorized as “hazardous” according to state regulatory thresholds, these thresholds pertain to hypothetical releases from wastes in a landfill setting and are not based on real-life risks to human health.

Major improvements have been made at shredding facilities, at a cost of millions of dollars, to minimize the potential for LFM to become airborne and blow offsite.