Here’s what to look for:
- Color – The most common type of asbestos-containing insulation is vermiculite which has a specific coloring. If your insulation is gray-brown or silver-gold, chances are it’s time to call a professional. ...
- Texture – During manufacturing, insulation containing asbestos went through a heat treatment that causes a unique accordion-like texture in the final product material.
How to identify asbestos in your insulation?
Method 2 Method 2 of 3: Knowing When to Inspect for Asbestos Insulation
- Inspect for asbestos insulation if you plan to remodel your home. ...
- Check for asbestos insulation if your home has damage that needs repair. ...
- Look for asbestos in buildings built before 1980. Asbestos was a very popular insulating material from the 1930s to the 1970s.
- See if you have crumbling insulation that needs to be replaced. ...
Is there really asbestos in insulation?
Vermiculite loose-fill insulation is one of the most common household materials that contains asbestos . Vermiculite insulation has a pebble-like appearance and typically is a grayish-brown or silvery-gold color. It is made from a natural mineral material that is mined from the earth.
How dangerous is asbestos insulation?
Why Asbestos Insulation is Dangerous. Yes, prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious respiratory illness and cancer called Mesothelioma. When disturbed, tiny abrasive asbestos fibers can be inhaled. In homes built before 1975, asbestos is most commonly found as thermal insulation on basement boilers and pipes.
Does your insulation have asbestos?
There is no one surefire way to determine whether insulation contains asbestos. It was used by countless companies in thousands and thousands of products for decades. You will never be completely certain that your home has no asbestos until it has been inspected by a qualified professional.
How do I know if my insulation contains asbestos?
You can test the insulation for asbestos using an asbestos testing kit or by having a sample tested at an approved testing laboratory. If you discover that you do have insulation containing asbestos, you can leave it in place or have it removed by a local asbestos abatement company.
How can you tell the difference between asbestos and fiberglass insulation?
Difference In Properties Asbestos has a higher heat resistance and tensile strength properties when compared to fiberglass. Fiberglass is more temperature resistant than polyamide and cotton, but it isn't comparable to asbestos in this regard.
When did asbestos stop being used in home insulation?
Houses built between 1930 and 1950 may have asbestos as insulation. Asbestos may be present in textured paint and patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints. Their use was banned in 1977.
How can you tell if you have asbestos in the attic?
Signs You May Have Asbestos in Your HomeBuilt before 1980.Features popcorn ceilings and textured paint.The exterior is built of cement shingles and siding.Attic insulation is loose fill (i.e., not made of a uniform material like foam blocks)
Where is asbestos most commonly found?
Where asbestos may be found:Attic and wall insulation produced containing vermiculite.Vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives.Roofing and siding shingles.Textured paint and patching compounds used on walls and ceilings.More items...•
What is worse fiberglass or asbestos?
While both asbestos and fiberglass are considered dangerous, asbestos is more dangerous. Since 1977, the U.S. has been banned all new uses of Asbestos, but fiberglass has not been banned. Asbestos has higher heat resistance and tensile strength properties when compared to fiberglass.
How much exposure to asbestos will cause mesothelioma?
There is no safe amount of asbestos exposure. Even one-time asbestos exposure can lead to asbestos-related diseases such as pleural thickening, lung cancer or mesothelioma.
What do you do if exposed to asbestos?
Consult a doctor. Talk to your doctor if you think you've been exposed to asbestos. They can help you determine your risk of developing an asbestos-related disease. “The good news is that one-off, limited exposure to asbestos is typically harmless short and long term,” says Dr.
Do all popcorn ceilings have asbestos?
Some popcorn ceilings contain up to 10% asbestos contamination. Not all popcorn ceilings have asbestos, yet those built during and before the 1980s may have a high risk for contamination.
Should I remove old blown in insulation?
Expert contractors that specialize in insulation advise that removing old fiberglass insulation is best before installing new cellulose insulation because of possible mildew, mold, or rodent excrement.
What percentage of asbestos is found in thermal insulation?
Asbestos lagging - Asbestos content 55-100 percent Asbestos lagging has been used for thermal insulation of pipes and boilers. It was widely used in public buildings and system-built flats during the 1960s to early 1970s in areas such as boiler houses and heating plants.
What is loose fill asbestos insulation?
What is loose-fill asbestos insulation? This is insulation made from raw asbestos that has been crushed into a fine state and installed in roof spaces as ceiling insulation. If disturbed, asbestos fibres can move from the ceiling to other areas of the home, such as walls and sub-floor areas.
What does asbestos insulation in walls look like?
Vermiculite-asbestos insulation resembles rocky gravel. It is installed by pouring it into the desired location. Insulators also refer to it as “loose-fill” and “blown-in” insulation. Colors to look out for in these pebbles are grayish, brown, or silvery gold.
How do you identify fiberglass?
Fiberglass can vary in smell or not smell at all. The smell coming from fiberglass is from the binder glue and the formaldehyde it releases into the air. Some of it has an almost unbearable burnt smell, to a sweet burnt smell, while other types remind me of urine.
Is there asbestos in fiberglass?
They don't always contain asbestos, and some types are much more likely than others to pose a risk. Some insulation materials — including fiberglass, cellulose, and mineral wool — rarely contain hazardous mineral. Others, especially vermiculite insulation, almost always contain asbestos.
What does fiberglass insulation smell like?
Some newer fiberglass insulation batts have a stronger “burned sugar” smell than others. Sometimes, the smell will linger for quite a while. This has led to an increasing amount of consumer complaints.
What color is asbestos insulation?
Color – The most common type of asbestos-containing insulation is vermiculite which has a specific coloring. If your insulation is gray-brown or silver-gold, chances are it’s time to call a professional. If your loose-fill insulation is a dull gray, and soft – it’s a good bet that your insulation is mineral-based and asbestos-free.
What is the phone number to call for insulation?
You can fill out our online form or give us a call at 800-836-2535 to schedule your insulation consultation.
Does asbestos insulation have texture?
Fluff – If your loose-fill insulation is fluffy, and mimics the look of a snow drift, chances are: your insulation is fiberglass based and doesn’t contain any asbestos.
Does Insulation Have Asbestos?
Yes and no. Not all insulation contains asbestos. But how can you tell if the insulation you have in your home or commercial space contains asbestos? The main manufacturer of insulation containing asbestos stopped producing in 1990, so if the insulation in your home was installed after this time, chances are: your insulation is mineral and/or fiberglass based. There are a few other tell-tale signs that you can look for to determine if your insulation is safe, or if it may be time to call a professional.
How to know if asbestos is dangerous?
Unfortunately, the only way to honestly know if there is an issue is by performing a close inspection of the materials and testing them to see any dangerous compounds present.
Who inspects attic insulation?
Attic Projects attic insulation technicians are the true experts when it comes to inspecting attic insulation for asbestos. We use the latest, safest protective gear to safely and effectively inspect your attic insulation. We can help you determine whether or not the problem poses a risk, and if so, are the experts when it comes to asbestos mitigation.
What does it mean when insulation is gray?
Close inspection can usually indicate whether or not your attic insulation contains asbestos. For instance, if the loose-fill is gray, soft, and lacking a shine, it is most likely made from cellulose containing a high content of the recycled paper and no minerals. If it looks like it’s just shredded paper, it’s probably safe.
What is the sheen of fiberglass insulation?
You may see insulation that is white and fluffy but with a slight shine. More often than not, this kind of attic insulation is fiberglass. The subtle sheen is caused by the light shining on the tiny glass fibers that it is made out of. Soft to the touch, fiberglass attic insulation can cause skin irritation and breathing issues, but it is asbestos-free and poses no long term health effects.
Is fiberglass insulation bad for you?
Soft to the touch , fiberglass attic insulation can cause skin irritation and breathing issues, but it is asbestos-free and poses no long term health effects. Other kinds of attic insulation are composed of materials, both natural and man-made. Some pose slight health risks, but those containing asbestos need to be taken care of immediately.
Can asbestos be found in old homes?
Older homes can have asbestos in many different places, like attic insulation, furnaces, floor tiles, and hot water pipe insulation. The common wisdom is that you should not disturb asbestos, but rather leave it in place.
Is asbestos dangerous in the attic?
Asbestos, Attic Services. We’ve long understood the dangers of inhaling and disturbing asbestos fibers. Especially in older homes, it’s crucial for homeowners to know the risks and to act appropriately. Older homes can have asbestos in many different places, like attic insulation, furnaces, floor tiles, and hot water pipe insulation.
How to test for asbestos in insulation?
You can test the insulation for asbestos using an asbestos testing kit or by having a sample tested at an approved testing laboratory. If you discover that you do have insulation containing asbestos, you can leave it in place or have it removed by a local asbestos abatement company.
Where is asbestos insulation found?
In the United States, most of the vermiculite insulation containing asbestos was sourced from a mine near Libby, Montana, which was active until 1990.
What is fiberglass fill?
If you have loose-fill insulation that is white and fluffy and has a little shine, it is probably fiberglass fill. Because it is a glass product, fiberglass has a slight shine when subjected to bright light. It is very soft, almost like cotton candy, and is composed of very fine fibers 2 .
What percentage of vermiculite insulation is asbestos?
Insulation made from this material represents over 70 percent of the vermiculite insulation found in U.S. homes. Because the Libby mine closed in 1990, houses built or remodeled before that date might have asbestos-containing insulation. If the house was built after 1990, the chance that your house has asbestos-contaminated insulation are reduced ...
What type of insulation is used in a batt?
Loose-Fill Insulation. 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. The types of insulation that were most commonly made with asbestos are loose-fill, also called blown-in, insulation.
Is asbestos a breathing irritant?
At the least, asbestos is a breathing irritant. At worst, asbestos can cause mesothelioma, a cancerous condition that can lead to serious health problems or death. In older homes, specifically, asbestos may be found in many different materials, from pipe insulation to flooring adhesive to roof shingles.
Is asbestos fiber dangerous?
Asbestos fibers are most dangerous when they are airborne and can be breathed in. Leaving insulation undisturbed greatly reduces the risk of exposure. You can test the insulation for asbestos using an asbestos testing kit or by having a sample tested at an approved testing laboratory.
What Should I Do If I Find Vermiculite-Asbestos Insulation?
After an accredited organization determines contamination, you should hire a certified asbestos removal company to either completely remove or encapsulate (cover) asbestos materials.
What is asbestos used for?
Asbestos is a mineral that’s been used to reinforce insulation for decades. Additionally, vermiculite, another mineral with fire resistant properties, was also used for insulation long before (and after) people knew it contained varying levels of asbestos. Learn how to identify the toxic minerals when manufactured into insulation products.
What is toxic insulation made of?
Most toxic insulation is made of vermiculite contaminated with asbestos. The most common types of materials reinforced by the mineral with the toxin are paper, paint, adhesive, textiles, wood, drywall, or cement building items. Hot water and steam pipes, furnace ducts, attic or basement walls are the most common household structures to be aware of.
What is a vermiculite insulator?
Vermiculite-asbestos insulation resembles rocky gravel. It is installed by pouring it into the desired location. Insulators also refer to it as “loose-fill” and “blown-in” insulation. Colors to look out for in these pebbles are grayish, brown, or silvery gold. If your home was built before the 1990s and contains this texture and color, it may contain zonolite or some variation.
Can you test for asbestos in a home?
The EPA suggests testing for asbestos or zonolite in homes when the potential buyers discover worn down tiles, pipes, insulation, or other products. This is because when manufacturers produce products with asbestos or zonolite, it’s almost impossible to see it by just looking. Additionally, it’s dangerous to spend time trying to identify the mineral – inhalation of its toxic fibers can cause latent illnesses and cancers like mesothelioma.
Is asbestos a federal law?
No federal laws mandate property owners disclose the presence of asbestos in a sale. It must also be noted that while the mineral was banned in 1989, this law was overturned barely two years later in 1991. It wasn’t until 2019 that government officials outlawed most uses of the mineral. If you’re buying real estate, especially property made before the 90s, hire a certified company to test for it.
Is asbestos toxic to humans?
Manufacturers often use naturally occurring minerals like asbestos to reinforce many different types of building materials, including insulation, for decades. This was before researchers knew it was toxic to human health, and even for a long time after that. In fact, the legal use of asbestos didn’t stop until 2019. Therefore , it’s vital for property owners and real estate agents to recognize and detect materials that sometimes have asbestos and how they might appear together.
What Is Asbestos Insulation?
A relatively common term, “asbestos insulation” simply refers to home insulation material that contains asbestos. If you own an older home, the chances that you have some form of asbestos insulation are pretty high.
What is loose fill insulation?
Loose-Fill Insulation — blown into place using special equipment, loose-fill insulation comes in a variety of forms, but can almost always be identified by it’s fluffy texture.
Can asbestos be seen?
Although some of the more common types of asbestos materials, such as vermiculite insulation, can sometimes be identified by sight, other types can be extremely difficult to recognize visually. That’s why, in order to know for sure if you’re being exposed to asbestos, you need to test for it.
Is asbestos dangerous to homeowners?
Nowadays, most homeowners are aware of the dangers of asbestos. Unfortunately, before the 1980s, the risks were largely unknown to contractors and the general public. Back then, the material was frequently used, especially for insulation purposes. In fact, asbestos was once considered the gold standard for home insulation, and many homeowners are now paying the price.
Is asbestos a safe substance?
According to researchers, there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Therefore, if you discover insulation in your home that you believe may contain toxic material, you should not try to remove it or inspect it closely by yourself. Instead, if you suspect an area may be contaminated with asbestos, especially if the material is damaged in any way, you should call a professional.
Can you drop off asbestos samples?
JSE Labs has a team of highly trained professionals to test materials in your home for asbestos so that you can ensure the health and safety of your family. You can drop off or mail your sample (make sure you wear gloves and take safety precautions) or contact us to schedule an in-home visit to have our experts collect and inspect your sample for you.
Is asbestos harmful to health?
There’s no doubt that inhaling fibers produced by asbestos can have a serious impact on your health and safety. The extent of asbestos use in the insulation of many homes in the 1900s has caused a plethora of these health issues in workers and homeowners.
What To Do If I Suspect Zonolite Vermiculite Insulation?
If you have loose fill insulation in your wall or attic that fits the visual aspects above, you can verify if it contains asbestos with a DIY asbestos testing kit. If you would prefer not to be around the insulation, to be on the safe side a commercial firm can be hired for testing insulation for asbestos. Generally, DIY kits can be purchased under $50, which may be a cheaper route.
Is the Asbestos Institute the official authority for OSHA?
The Asbestos Institute is not the official authority to determine OSHA training requirements, which are set forth in the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. OSHA regulations are always being revised, added, and/or deleted, so you must not rely on The Asbestos Institute as the official authority of OSHA asbestos training requirements. Visit the official OSHA Asbestos Training Requirements page here.
Is vermiculite insulation dangerous?
Vermiculite insulation alone is not dangerous, being a pellet style mineral, which expands with higher temperatures. In addition to building insulation, vermiculite is commonly used with gardening for loosening soil. More specifically, vermiculite insulation which was mined in Montana by the Libby company is one to watch for.
Is asbestos insulation a health hazard?
If you’ve got asbestos insulation in your property it poses a health hazard. Barrier insulation provides insulation removal services in the Phoenix Valley and is an insulation installation contractor. That means we can remove dangerous, damaged, or ineffective insulation and replace it with the highest performance insulation on the market. From spray foam insulation to loose fill blown in insulation we will help you choose a cost effective and high performance insulation solution to help keep you comfortable all year long.
Is zonolite asbestos?
Because Zonolite had been contaminated with tremolite, it resulted in being a health hazard. Tremolite is similar to asbestos. About 70% of U.S. vermiculite attic insulation originated from the Libby mine, while 30% came from other sources.
Can you leave asbestos in your attic?
Typically, it is recommended to simply leave it as-is without disturbing it. Otherwise, hire a professional asbestos removal company. However, there are loose-fill wall and attic insulation which can contain asbestos. If you’re insulation is the batt style insulation, as the loose fill insulation has the higher risk as it’s loosely poured ...
Can asbestos be removed from insulation?
In the event you find your insulation contains asbestos, it is best to locate an abatement company that has professional experience in handling asbestos removal, and never disturb the insulation. Although, asbestos removal is expensive, but if left it could cause many health issues for you and/or your family.
How to know if insulation is asbestos?
The only way to be certain about whether or not your insulation contains asbestos is to have qaulified professionals undertake asbestos testing. They have the training and expertise to not only identify areas of your home that could contain asbestos but do so safely.
How to identify asbestos insulation?
How can you identify asbestos insulation? 1 Zonolite is one of the most easily identifiable types of insulation containing asbestos. It is often grey and has a grainy consistency, much like gravel. It is usually applied without any sealant or covering, so it can be identified easily upon visual inspection. 2 Other types of asbestos insulation are harder to identify. If product markings are visible on the insulation, they may identify the brand and model of insulation. Once you identify this information, you may be able to contact the company and find out what ingredients your insulation contains. 3 You can also check with the construction company that built your house and ask if any of the insulation contains asbestos. However, the company that made the insulation or built the house may no longer be in business, so it may not be possible to get any information about the insulation used in your home. 4 You should also consider that exploring parts of your home that may contain asbestos is potentially very dangerous. Entering your attic or getting inside your walls could break up asbestos insulation and fill the air with asbestos particles, exposing you and your loved ones to considerable health risk.
What types of insulation contain asbestos?
Knowing that asbestos is extremely hazardous to human health, you may wonder why construction products contain it at all. The short answer is that it is a cheap and effective flame retardant.
What is pipe wrap insulation?
Pipe Wrap Insulation – Hot Water Lines. Asbestos insulation is also used anywhere else in a home where fire or heat poses some kind of risk. It is often used as insulation on boilers as well as hot water pipes. One especially popular insulation was Zonolite. It was sprayed and poured in attics as a cheap way of insulating these spaces.
Can asbestos be identified?
It is usually applied without any sealant or covering, so it can be identified easily upon visual inspection. Other types of asbestos insulation are harder to identify. If product markings are visible on the insulation, they may identify the brand and model of insulation.
Is asbestos in a house safe?
Is asbestos in homes really safe? As the Government of Canada says, it is safe so long as you don’t disturb it, but what they don’t say is that asbestos is very, very easy to disturb. It is actually quite hard to live in a house and not disturb asbestos from construction materials. Pipe Wrap Insulation.
Can asbestos be blown into the air?
Asbestos is very friable, meaning it breaks up easily into tiny particles. These particles become airborne and can float around on air currents in your home until you or someone else inhales them. So even if asbestos insulation is sealed into your walls, installing a wall-mounted TV or even just hanging pictures can release harmful asbestos particles into the air.
Preparation
Diagnosis
- How, exactly, can you identify whether your attic insulation is asbestos? Let's look at the particulars of loose-fill insulation that may contain asbestos.
Safety
- The main source of asbestos danger concerns vermiculite attic insulation, but not all brands or all sources of vermiculate pose a hazard. There is nothing inherently bad about vermiculite, which is a pellet-like mineral that expands at high temperatures and which is often used for gardening as an amendment that loosens soil and improves its ability to transmit water.
Other uses
- Vermiculite is also used for insulation, in particular, the vermiculite that was mined by the Libby company in Montana for about 70 years, under the brand name Zonolite.
Properties
- Although Zonolite is a mineral, it is lightweight, because during the production process it is subjected to high heat that causes the particles to puff up. If so, it is probably cellulose insulation. Cellulose has a high recycled paper content, no minerals. Close examination will show that this puffy gray material does not contain earth minerals at all, but will look like shredded gray paper. …
Types
- Another mineral-based loose fill insulation is rock wool, which frequently appears as bundles of fibers with a soft, cottony appearance. Rock wool is white, off-white or brownish-white. Rock wool is a manufactured product, made by melting basaltic rock and dolomite and adding binders. The raw material is heated to 2,750 degrees Fahrenheit until it melts. The molten material is spun int…
Risks
- If your loose-fill insulation fits the visual cues for vermiculite insulation, you can check to see if it is the asbestos-carrying Zonolite type by purchasing a DIY asbestos testing kit or seeking a commercial firm who can test for asbestos. DIY kits are usually available for less than $50. If you discover that you do have insulation containing asb...