Identify Asbestos Attic Insulation

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.

Identify 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. 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 agency. It has a pebble like texture and comes in a variety of colors including gold and brown. The insulation was sold under the brand name zonolite.

Loose fill insulation comes in a variety of materials. One of the most common types of insulation that features asbestos is vermiculite insulation picutred above. Vermiculite attic insulation is the main source of concern with asbestos dangers although asbestos is not in every brand. 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.

Asbestos insulation can also look like a cardboard covering. Vermiculite insulation alone is not dangerous being a pellet style mineral which expands with higher temperatures. It is easy to identify by its loose lumpy form and fluffy or granular texture. Below we will discuss specifics about loose fill insulation which could contain asbestos.

This type of insulation was usually used on steam heating pipes between 1910 and 1980. Do not try to remove insulation that could contain asbestos yourself. Properties built before the 1990 s may have asbestos in bonding agents insulation or the roof. So how do you identify if your attic insulation contains asbestos.

Take a small sample of the insulation and place it into a sealed container. 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 is utilized for attic insulation as well as other purposes. The types of insulation that were most commonly made with asbestos are loose fill also called blown in insulation.

Vermiculite insulation alone is not dangerous being a pellet style mineral which expands with higher temperatures. There are a number of labs out there that can analyze asbestos for you. Asbestos insulation usually looks like a loose gray material and it is also commonly wrapped around the outside of pipes. In addition to building insulation vermiculite is commonly used with gardening for loosening soil.

If you re unsure if your insulation contains asbestos play it safe and contact a professional to inspect it.