Identifying Asbestos Attic Insulation

Asbestos has been directly linked to causing mesothelioma and lung cancer as a result of breathing it in.

Identifying asbestos attic insulation.

The small fibers that come off of asbestos can kill you. There are many different kinds of wool like insulation that are man made and do not have asbestos but if your attic insulation looks like wool than it is best to be safe and have it tested by a professional. This type of insulation was usually used on steam heating pipes between 1910 and 1980. The majority of homeowners need to be educated on the general danger of breathing and disturbing asbestos fiber.

Step 4 positive identification of asbestos can only be obtained using polarizing light microscopy which is only available from a laboratory certified by the environmental protection agency. It is easy to identify by its loose lumpy form and fluffy or granular texture. If you notice that you have insulation that is falling apart in your building have a professional inspect for asbestos. Older buildings and homes may have asbestos within products from hot water piping insulation to furnace insulation even floor tiles.

Asbestos is actually a natural fiber so if your attic insulation looks like wool there is a slight chance that it will contain asbestos. Vermiculite insulation alone is not dangerous being a pellet style mineral which expands with higher temperatures. The types of insulation that were most commonly made with asbestos are loose fill also called blown in insulation. Loose fill insulation comes in a variety of materials.

Asbestos can be found in the insulation used in walls attics the materials around plumbing and pipes electrical wiring as well as on heating and air conditioning units. Properly identifying asbestos insulation can help you avoid some serious health problems in the future. If your attic or wall insulation is in batt or blanket form whether it s fiberglass cellulose or another material you generally don t have to be concerned about asbestos. Vermiculite attic insulation is the main source of concern with asbestos dangers although asbestos is not in every brand.