If you suspect that your old insulation might contain asbestos, a professional inspection should be conducted immediately to ascertain its contents. This is especially crucial when dealing with friable materials that crumble easily and release harmful fibers into the air.
Many types of insulation no longer contain asbestos. Here are some of the more popular:
Loose-Fill Insulation
Loose-fill insulation is a common choice in homes and buildings alike, from homes to apartment complexes. It can be easily applied by blowing it into wall cavities or pouring or placing it directly into gaps – made up of materials like cellulose, fiberglass, mineral wool (rock or slag), vermiculite etc.
Soft, gray loose-fill insulation that lacks shine may contain cellulose insulation made from recycled paper that does not contain asbestos. If it gleams instead, however, this could indicate fiberglass or rock wool use.
Older loose-fill insulation could contain asbestos, making it vital to consult a home inspection team to have this harmful substance removed from your home.
Renovation and repair activities can release airborne asbestos fibers into the air that occupants inhale – this exposure can lead to serious health risks including cancer.
Homes constructed and renovated before 1990 are more likely to contain this insulating material; since Libby closed down its asbestos mine, its prevalence has lessened considerably over time.
Loose-Fill with Paper Backing
Asbestos-free insulation materials include several popular forms, with the most prevalent being cellulose made of recycled paper and without minerals; its gray hue and soft feel makes it popularly installed as blanket or batt insulation. Another safe loose-fill insulation type that does not contain asbestos is rock wool resembling pebbles but with white or silvery gray coloring; both options may also provide safe loose fill insulation solutions.
While many homes built after 1980 are equipped with fiberglass insulation, there are some older buildings which use asbestos attic insulation instead. This is particularly prevalent among older structures which feature ample storage or have been transformed into living space.
Being aware of asbestos insulation in your attic is vital for professional removal. If you suspect your attic contains asbestos, contact your local home inspection team for assistance and they may recommend an asbestos removal company.
Zonolite
Zonolite asbestos insulation was once widely used for homes and buildings until its sale and use were banned, often found as loose fill insulation in loose-fill form as seen above, sprayed raw fibre insulation or paper/cardboard thermal pipe insulation. Zonolite contains three of the most prevalent varieties of asbestos: chrysotile, crocidolite and amosite which appear similar under a microscope.
Asbestos-containing loose-fill insulation must be distinguished from other products in order to accurately detect whether they contain asbestos. Soft and gray loose-fill that lacks shine is likely cellulose insulation made up of recycled paper with no minerals added; white fluffy loose fill with some shine likely belongs to fiberglass insulation instead, and should not contain asbestos; when wrapped vermiculite contains asbestos you can identify it by its small greyish-brown pebbles that resemble gravelly ground.
Vermiculite
Vermiculite is a naturally-occurring mineral composed of shiny flakes resembling mica that, when heated, expand up to 30 times their original size – making it lightweight, fire-resistant, odorless insulation used widely prior to 1990 in many homes built before this date. Unfortunately, vermiculite mining near Libby Montana became polluted with asbestos over time; many homes built before that period still use Zonolite (contaminated vermiculite).
Vermiculite when disturbed can release asbestos fibers into the air, potentially leading to lung disease as well as other health complications like ovarian cancer and genetic cell damage. Breathing these microscopic asbestos particles can lead to lung damage as well as genetic cell damage in those exposed.
As long as vermiculite remains undisturbed behind wallboards or floorboards, it does not pose any health risk. If you suspect vermiculite insulation exists in your home or building, contact a Minnesota licensed asbestos contractor immediately for risk assessments and removal if needed to ensure asbestos-containing vermiculite does not become airborne.
Just found some weird insulation in my attic. Could it be asbestos? What’s that stuff look like, and what do I do if it is?
Asbestos is like this old-school insulation that’s kinda fibrous. It could be white, gray, or brown, and it looks a bit like a thin blanket.
If you’re suspicious, don’t go all DIY hero. First, play it safe: avoid messing with it. Wear some legit protective gear, like a mask and gloves, if you gotta check it out.
But real talk, don’t mess around too much. Get a certified pro to scope it out. They’ll do tests, figure out if it’s asbestos, and guide you on what’s next. Safety first, y’all!