Dangerous Attic Insulation

The tiny fibers of glass from insulation wool can irritate your skin and eyes.

Dangerous attic insulation.

While there is no clear proof that fiberglass can cause cancer many people choose to err on the side of safety and replace their old insulation with green non toxic insulation materials. Asbestos was incorporated in the insulation of different types including attic insulation. Find a diagram of common air leaks here. One of the most common materials containing asbestos fibers is attic and wall insulation.

Vermiculite was a common attic insulation product sold from the late 1920s to the early 1990s. During the 20th century was contaminated with asbestos. The major attic insulation dangers from this type of material would come from combustion. If the insulation is not properly sealed off it can get into air vents and circulate through the building.

Although some homeowners have used it in this way it was never approved for use in the attic. Gaps in the attic or between the lower floors and the attic will let heated or cooled air escape to the great unconditioned outdoors making any insulation you add essentially useless. If you ve ever come in contact with fiberglass you already know what it can do to your skin. Asbestos hardly needs an introduction anymore as most homeowners should be schooled in the general dangers of disturbing and breathing asbestos fibers.

These fibers consist of millions of microscopic fibrils. In older homes specifically asbestos may be found in many different materials from pipe insulation to flooring adhesive to roof shingles. Small spots or speckles of mold on a surface are far less harmful than mold that covers several feet in area and has spread deep into cracks crevices and throughout insulation. Homeowners can also come across fiberglass insulation during repairing or clearing out the attic.

As will be discussed in a moment these fibrils can cause serious and even fatal illnesses. Unfortunately almost all vermiculite insulation contains asbestos and is unsafe when disturbed. Asbestos is dangerous because it contains what is known as fibrous crystals. If you experience too much contact with fiberglass it can cause what s called irritant contact dermatitis or inflammation of the skin.

In case of a fire it gives off an extremely toxic smoke that is more dangerous than regular smoke. Video of the day. These are thin visible fibers.