Asbestos Found In Attic

One of the most common materials containing asbestos fibers is attic and wall insulation.

Asbestos found in attic.

In fact it s still used heavily in some parts of the world such as india and china. While remodeling the attic of his 1960s home john found piles of brown pebble like insulation. Asbestos was a popular material for most of the twentieth century mainly because of its ability to insulate and act as a fire retardant. But just because your insulation is old doesn t mean it is dangerous.

Mesothelioma a rare form of cancer that is found in the thin lining of the lung chest and the abdomen and heart asbestosis a serious progressive long term non cancer disease of the lungs for more information on these and other health effects of asbestos exposure see the agency for toxic substances and disease registry the national. Consider this statement from research titled zonolite attic insulation exposure studies where even the suggested method for removal by the manufacturer. Asbestos is an excellent electrical insulator and is highly heat. Vermiculite has been around since the 1800s but most of the asbestos contaminated vermiculite found in homes dates from the early 1920s to 1990.

He decided to replace the existing insulation with new fiberglass insulation to save money in the winter months. Attic insulation in older homes may contain asbestos that could fall through ceiling cracks. 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. Gentry october 8 2015 at 6 10 pm.

Asbestos is actually a natural fiber so if your attic insulation looks like wool there is a slight chance that it will contain asbestos. Once vermiculite is disturbed millions of asbestos fibers become airborne. 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. 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.

If you notice that you have insulation that is falling apart in your building have a professional inspect for asbestos. The asbestos found in vermiculite is extremely friable and is the most dangerous type amphibole of asbestos.