Years ago, asbestos was used in almost everything including insulation. Asbestos insulation was installed in many homes built in the 1950s and 1960s. Asbestos was officially banned in 1989 by the Environmental Protection Agency. If your home was built before 1989 there is a chance that it could have asbestos insulation.
Asbestos insulation can be found in two forms – a loose gray material or wrapped around the outside of pipes. Be sure to not come into direct contact with or breathe asbestos. If it is disturbed, asbestos can release microscopic fibers that can infiltrate your lungs. If you are examining your own insulation that may be asbestos, wear protective clothing, mask, safety goggles, gloves, and a respirator.
To identify whether you have asbestos insulation, you will need to have it analyzed. Take a small sample and put it into a sealed container. Then send the sample to an EPA-certified lab for analysis.
If the lab results determine that you do have asbestos, do not try to remedy yourself. Hire a professional to remove all asbestos so your home is safe to live in. Contact our experienced team to discuss your insulation questions.
