Identify Asbestos Attic Insulation

Asbestos insulation can also look like a cardboard covering.

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. There isn t necessarily a surefire way to tell if your insulation has asbestos unless it s labeled or you have an expert take a look. The types of insulation that were most commonly made with asbestos are loose fill also called blown in insulation. Vermiculite attic insulation is the main source of concern with asbestos dangers although asbestos is not in every brand.

Vermiculite insulation alone is not dangerous being a pellet style mineral which expands with higher temperatures. Asbestos is actually a natural fiber so if your attic insulation looks like wool there is a slight chance that it will contain asbestos. Below we will discuss specifics about loose fill insulation which could contain asbestos. In addition to building insulation vermiculite is commonly used with gardening for loosening soil.

Do not try to remove insulation that could contain asbestos yourself. 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. Loose fill insulation comes in a variety of materials. It is easy to identify by its loose lumpy form and fluffy or granular texture.

This type of insulation was usually used on steam heating pipes between 1910 and 1980. So how do you identify if your attic insulation contains asbestos. Vermiculite insulation alone is not dangerous being a pellet style mineral which expands with higher temperatures.