Dangerous Attic Insulation

In older homes specifically asbestos may be found in many different materials from pipe insulation to flooring adhesive to roof shingles.

Dangerous attic insulation. 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. 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 hardly needs an introduction anymore as most homeowners should be schooled in the general dangers of disturbing and breathing asbestos fibers. If you experience too much contact with fiberglass it can cause what s called irritant contact dermatitis or inflammation of the skin.

Homeowners can also come across fiberglass insulation during repairing or clearing out the attic. Find a diagram of common air leaks here. In case of a fire it gives off an extremely toxic smoke that is more dangerous than regular smoke. Although some homeowners have used it in this way it was never approved for use in the attic.

Video of the day. As will be discussed in a moment these fibrils can cause serious and even fatal illnesses. The major attic insulation dangers from this type of material would come from combustion. Fiberglass insulation is not generally considered to be dangerous but it can irritate the skin and respiratory system.

These are thin visible fibers. One of the most common materials containing asbestos fibers is attic and wall insulation. Asbestos was incorporated in the insulation of different types including attic insulation. If you ve ever come in contact with fiberglass you already know what it can do to your skin.

Unfortunately almost all vermiculite insulation contains asbestos and is unsafe when disturbed. During the 20th century was contaminated with asbestos. Asbestos is dangerous because it contains what is known as fibrous crystals. These fibers consist of millions of microscopic fibrils.

Vermiculite was a common attic insulation product sold from the late 1920s to the early 1990s. The tiny fibers of glass from insulation wool can irritate your skin and eyes. If the insulation is not properly sealed off it can get into air vents and circulate through the building.