He decided to replace the existing insulation with new fiberglass insulation to save money in the winter months.
Asbestos dust in attic.
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.
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.
In fact it s still used heavily in some parts of the world such as india and china.
Loose fill insulation comes in a variety of materials.
Consider this statement from research titled zonolite attic insulation exposure studies where even the suggested method for removal by the manufacturer.
There is one primary source of asbestos attic insulation.
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.
While remodeling the attic of his 1960s home john found piles of brown pebble like insulation.
Asbestos was a popular material for most of the twentieth century mainly because of its ability to insulate and act as a fire retardant.
Asbestos is actually a natural fiber so if your attic insulation looks like wool there is a slight chance that it will contain asbestos.
Asbestos testing labs usually will ask you to scoop up as much settled dust as possible to gather 1 teaspoon full.
Attic insulation in older homes may contain asbestos that could fall through ceiling cracks.
Asbestos on or in hvac air ducts.
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.
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.
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 types of insulation that were most commonly made with asbestos are loose fill also called blown in insulation.
The asbestos found in vermiculite is extremely friable and is the most dangerous type amphibole of asbestos.
