Old Attic Insulation Asbestos

That is the loose granular insulation called vermiculite.

Old attic insulation asbestos.

Geological survey vermiculite attic insulation is sometimes found in older homes and is often contaminated with asbestos because of the libby montana mine where it originated. In older homes asbestos can be found in many things insulation included especially loose fill attic insulation. There is one type of older insulation that has a significant possibility of being contaminated with asbestos. Fiberglass and cellulose are the most common insulation installed in residential attics today.

It is often used for gardening and as insulation in older homes. If you notice that you have insulation that is falling apart in your building have a professional inspect for asbestos. But the vermiculite that was mined years ago was contaminated with an asbestos like material. Asbestos can be found in the insulation used in walls attics the materials around plumbing and pipes electrical wiring as well as on heating and air conditioning units.

But just because your insulation is old doesn t mean it is dangerous. One of the most common materials containing asbestos fibers is attic and wall insulation. In older homes specifically asbestos may be found in many different materials from pipe insulation to flooring adhesive to roof shingles. See this article on vermiculite and asbestos for more information.

If your insulation is in batt form you shouldn t worry. Asbestos is actually a natural fiber so if your attic insulation looks like wool there is a slight chance that it will contain asbestos.