Identifying Asbestos Insulation Attic

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

Identifying asbestos insulation attic.

Loose fill insulation comes in a variety of materials. 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. If you notice that you have insulation that is falling apart in your building have a professional inspect for asbestos. Asbestos is actually a natural fiber so if your attic insulation looks like wool there is a slight chance that it will contain asbestos.

Properly identifying asbestos insulation can help you avoid some serious health problems in the future. Vermiculite attic insulation is the main source of concern with asbestos dangers although asbestos is not in every brand. 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.

Vermiculite insulation alone is not dangerous being a pellet style mineral which expands with higher temperatures. 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. It is easy to identify by its loose lumpy form and fluffy or granular texture. 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.

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