Blown Attic Insulation Asbestos

That is the loose granular insulation called vermiculite.

Blown attic insulation asbestos.

In the late 1970s it became evident that asbestos fibers were very dangerous. It was very versatile affordable and it could be used in tiles and blow it with another material vermiculite. Asbestos insulation is a very common problem that many people have to deal with at some point. Your home was constructed prior to 1990.

Tremolite is similar to asbestos. Asbestos was long considered an ideal material for almost all types of insulation until its cancer causing effects were. The types of insulation that were most commonly made with asbestos are loose fill also called blown in insulation. 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.

With asbestos still being used as a very commonly used fire retardant and a very popular insulator right until the end of the 1980 s. Differences between asbestos and cellulose insulation before we review the differences between continue reading how to tell the difference. With many homes from that era still standing it is no surprise to run into asbestos in some capacity. Although asbestos is currently banned as an insulating material in many countries buildings that were built before 1980 may still contain insulation with asbestos.

Loose fill insulation could contain asbestos if. Other insulation balsam wool is a shredded wood product treated with borax as a fire retardant. Vermiculite attic insulation originated from the libby mine while 30 came from other sources. There is one type of older insulation that has a significant possibility of being contaminated with asbestos.

Asbestos insulation was the biggest source of asbestos exposure for workers throughout the 20th century and it remains a toxic hazard in many homes and businesses to this day. About 70 of u s. 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. Blown in insulation helped reduced electric bills but also generated a risk for the families who lived in them as asbestos was often used to make the insulation flame retardant.

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. Because zonolite had been contaminated with tremolite it resulted in being a health hazard. Asbestos is actually a natural fiber so if your attic insulation looks like wool there is a slight chance that it will contain asbestos. There is one primary source of asbestos attic insulation.

If you have damaged insulation you plan to remodel your building or you suspect your insulation may contain asbestos you need to contact an asbestos professional that is.