There is one primary source of asbestos attic insulation.
Asbestos dust in attic.
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 testing labs usually will ask you to scoop up as much settled dust as possible to gather 1 teaspoon full.
In fact it s still used heavily in some parts of the world such as india and china.
The epa asbestos web site contains general information on asbestos sources exposure and health effects what to do if you suspect asbestos training and laws and regulations.
The asbestos found in vermiculite is extremely friable and is the most dangerous type amphibole of asbestos.
While remodeling the attic of his 1960s home john found piles of brown pebble like 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.
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.
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.
Use caulk or spray foam around seams light fixtures fans and switches as well as plumbing pipes or other openings where insulation dust might filter in.
Once vermiculite is disturbed millions of asbestos fibers become airborne.
The types of insulation that were most commonly made with asbestos are loose fill also called blown in insulation.
Loose fill insulation comes in a variety of materials.
How to recognize asbestos on or in heating or cooling air ducts or air handlers a photo guide to recognizing asbestos on hvac systems such as air ducts vibration dampers and heating system in slab transite ducts or heating system transite chimneys asbestos ductwork types materials photos of asbestos in hvac ductwork and air handlers blower units.
Asbestos was a popular material for most of the twentieth century mainly because of its ability to insulate and act as a fire retardant.
If you cannot gather that much dust you should use a damp tissue to wipe the dust and enclose the tissue in a zip lock bag.
Consider this statement from research titled zonolite attic insulation exposure studies where even the suggested method for removal by the manufacturer.
