Black fiberglass tissue can be used as a filter for water or air, but it's not typically the best choice due to its potential to release harmful fibers. While it may mechanically filter out larger particles, it's not efficient for capturing finer particles and can pose health risks. It's also not resistant to microbial growth, which is crucial for water filtration. Instead, materials like activated carbon, ceramic, or specialized synthetic filters are preferred for their effectiveness and safety in filtering water and air.