What if I have asbestos in my attic?

The Dangers of Asbestos Attic Insulation Exposure to asbestos can lead to the development of primarily two types of cancers, and exposure of as little as a few days has been linked to cancer growth.

Can I remove vermiculite insulation myself?

Do not attempt to remove the insulation yourself. Hire a professional asbestos contractor if you plan to remodel or conduct renovations that would disturb the vermiculite in your attic or walls to make sure the material is safely handled and/or removed.

Should I remove vermiculite from attic?

Can I remove the vermiculite attic insulation myself? The EPA strongly recommends that “you should never attempt to remove the insulation yourself. Hire professionals trained and certified to safety remove the material.”

Can asbestos be found in insulation?

Unfortunately, many spray-on insulation products contained up to 85% asbestos, putting the workers who applied them at extreme risk. Further, these products can be damaged easily, releasing a cloud of asbestos fibers into the air. They present a major exposure hazard unless they are thoroughly encapsulated.

Should I worry about asbestos?

THERE IS NO DANGER unless fibers are released and inhaled into the lungs. Check material regularly if you suspect it may contain asbestos. Don’t touch it, but look for signs of wear or damage such as tears, abrasions, or water damage. Damaged material may release asbestos fibers.

What should I do if I’ve been exposed to asbestos?

Consult a doctor. Talk to your doctor if you think you’ve been exposed to asbestos. They can help you determine your risk of developing an asbestos-related disease. “The good news is that one-off, limited exposure to asbestos is typically harmless short and long term,” says Dr.

Is vermiculite always asbestos?

Not all vermiculite products contain asbestos, but some do. An EPA study showed some vermiculite products contain low levels of asbestos. Asbestos is found primarily in the unmixed vermiculite product although some was found in pre-mixed potting soils.

How can you tell if vermiculite has asbestos?

The only way to identify asbestos is through microscopic examination of the material. Vermiculite is a naturally occurring “mica-like” mineral that was mined and processed into attic insulation starting in the 1920’s and ending in the early 1990’s.

How do you test for asbestos insulation?

Generally, asbestos testing kits work in a two-step process. First, after purchasing a low-cost kit at a home improvement center or online, you obtain suspected asbestos from an area of your home. Second, you mail the findings to a laboratory. After a few days, the results are sent back to you.

What are symptoms of asbestos exposure?

How are asbestos-related diseases detected?

  • Shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness.
  • A persistent cough that gets worse over time.
  • Blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up from the lungs.
  • Pain or tightening in the chest.
  • Difficulty swallowing.
  • Swelling of the neck or face.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Weight loss.