Blown in insulation asbestos has been used as an effective insulator in homes and commercial buildings throughout most of the 20th century.
Asbestos blown attic insulation.
The insulation was sold under the brand name zonolite.
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.
If you notice that you have insulation that is falling apart in your building have a professional inspect for asbestos.
Asbestos is actually a natural fiber so if your attic insulation looks like wool there is a slight chance that it will contain asbestos.
Vermiculite insulation alone is not dangerous being a pellet style mineral which expands with higher temperatures.
Loose fill insulation comes in a variety of materials.
The insulation helps to keep homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
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 agency.
The types of insulation that were most commonly made with asbestos are loose fill also called blown in insulation.
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.
In addition to building insulation vermiculite is commonly used with gardening for loosening soil.