What does insulation look like?
Most homeowners should be aware of the dangers of disturbing and breathing Asbestos fibers, as it doesn't need an introduction anymore.At least, it's a breathing irritant.Mesothelioma is a cancer that can lead to serious health problems or death.
In older homes, there are a number of different materials that may contain asbestos.attic and wall insulation is one of the most common materials.Just because your insulation is old doesn't mean it's dangerous.A quick visual inspection can tell you if you should have your insulation tested.
The insulation looks like pebbles.These pebbles are lightweight and look like stone.
If your attic or wall insulation is made of batt or blanket form, you don't have to worry about the health of your family.
The types of insulation that were most popular were loose-fill, also called blown-in, insulation.There are a variety of materials for loose-fill insulation.It is easy to identify by its form and texture.There is no paper or other types of backing for loose-fill.
If you determine that your attic or walls have loose-fill insulation, the next step is to find out what type of material it is.
One of the most common household materials is vermiculite loose-fill insulation.
The insulation is grayish-brown or silvery-gold and has a pebble-like appearance.It is made from minerals that have been mined.When the mineral expands, it creates lightweight and stony-looking particles that make up the insulation.
Most of the vermiculite insulation in the United States came from a mine in Montana.The vermiculite that was taken from the mine was contaminated.70 percent of the insulation found in U.S. homes is made from this material.
Houses built before 1990 might have been affected by the closing of the Libby mine.If the house was built after 1990, there is still a chance that the insulation is contaminated.
If you have vermiculite insulation in your home, you should treat it as if it's dangerous if you can't confirm that it is safe.
If you have loose-fill insulation that is gray, soft, and without a shine, it is probably cellulose insulation.It doesn't contain minerals and has a high percentage of recycled paper.It looks like shredded gray paper.The type of insulation commonly used in attics iscellulose.It can also be found in batt and blanket forms.
It is most likely fiberglass fill if you have loose-fill insulation that is white and fluffy.When subjected to bright light, fiberglass has a slight shine.It is very soft and made of very fine fibers.
It is not known if fiberglass causes cancer or other significant health problems, but it can irritate the skin and cause respiratory irritation.
Rock wool is a mineral-based loose-fill insulation.Rock wool has a soft texture.
Rock wool can be gray, white, off-white, or brownish- white.It was made by melting basaltic rock and dolomite with binders.The molten material is heated to 2,750 degrees and spun into fibers with air pressure.