Identifying Asbestos Attic Insulation

This type of insulation was usually used on steam heating pipes between 1910 and 1980.

Identifying asbestos attic insulation. The majority of homeowners need to be educated on the general danger of breathing and disturbing asbestos fiber. Asbestos has been directly linked to causing mesothelioma and lung cancer as a result of breathing it in. Asbestos is actually a natural fiber so if your attic insulation looks like wool there is a slight chance that it will contain asbestos. 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.

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. Loose fill insulation comes in a variety of materials. It is easy to identify by its loose lumpy form and fluffy or granular texture. The types of insulation that were most commonly made with asbestos are loose fill also called blown in insulation.

Older buildings and homes may have asbestos within products from hot water piping insulation to furnace insulation even floor tiles. Vermiculite attic insulation is the main source of concern with asbestos dangers although asbestos is not in every brand. If you notice that you have insulation that is falling apart in your building have a professional inspect for asbestos. 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.

Asbestos insulation can also look like a cardboard covering. In addition to building insulation vermiculite is commonly used with gardening for loosening soil. 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.