How to Tell If Insulation Contains Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with an innate resistance to chemical damage and open flames. Asbestos once was prized for these qualities and was incorporated into a variety of building materials, including fireproofing materials, automotive brake pads, certain kinds of adhesives, and insulation. This insulation still can be found in older buildings, and it poses a serious risk to health. If asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can lead to lung cancer and mesothelioma. If you are concerned that asbestos insulation might be present in your home, here are a few tips to help you recognize it. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Look for the brand name Zonolite. This type of insulation was made by W.R. Grace & Co. for many decades, using vermiculite that had been tainted with asbestos.
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Contact the manufacturer, if you know who made it. The company name might be written on the insulation itself.
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Note the appearance of the insulation. Asbestos insulation often looks like a cast used for broken bones, or, alternatively, like ridged paper covered with tape. Tainted vermiculite insulation looks like dark gray pebbles.
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Consider the age of your home. If your home was built recently, you probably will not have asbestos insulation, as it has been phased out of new construction. Older homes still might contain the material, however.
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Contact a certified professional to take a sample of the insulation material and test it for asbestos.
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Tips & Warnings
Exposure to even a small amount of asbestos is unsafe, so avoid disturbing the insulation at all costs. The material should be handled only by licensed professionals.
