Identify Asbestos Insulation In Attic

The small fibers that come off of asbestos can kill you.

Identify asbestos insulation in attic.

There was also a deposit of asbestos at that mine so the vermiculite from libby was contaminated with 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. There are other sources of asbestos in attic insulation but this single source significantly outpaces the others the primary source of asbestos attic insulation is from a specific mine in montana operated for 70 years by the libby company according to the environmental protection. Vermiculite attic insulation is the main source of concern with asbestos dangers although asbestos is not in every brand.

A common form of asbestos insulation found in older buildings is an asbestos based corrugated paper insulating wrap used on pipes. In addition to building insulation vermiculite is commonly used with gardening for loosening soil. This type of insulation was usually used on steam heating pipes between 1910 and 1980. Look in your attic for loose fill asbestos.

Asbestos insulation found in buildings above. Asbestos spray coating was a commonly used way to insulate a roof and sometimes the sides of buildings. Loose fill insulation comes in a variety of materials. 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.

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. There is one primary source of asbestos attic insulation. Asbestos is actually a natural fiber so if your attic insulation looks like wool there is a slight chance that it will contain asbestos. Asbestos has been directly linked to causing mesothelioma and lung cancer as a result of breathing it in.

2 check the underside of your roof for a white or gray rough coating. In addition to building insulation vermiculite is commonly used with gardening for loosening soil. Vermiculite insulation alone is not dangerous being a pellet style mineral which expands with higher temperatures. Asbestos insulation can also look like a cardboard covering.

The types of insulation that were most commonly made with asbestos are loose fill also called blown in insulation. Properly identifying asbestos insulation can help you avoid some serious health problems in the future. See details about actual building insulation made of or contaminated with asbestos discussed at asbestos building insulation.