4 Signs Your Attic Has Asbestos

Asbestos is a dangerous material that can be found in many homes, particularly in older ones. It was commonly used as an insulation material in the past, and if it is disturbed, it can release fibers that can cause serious health problems. If it’s inhaled, it can cause serious health issues such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Therefore, it is important to identify and eliminate sources of asbestos in your home. In this post, we will outline the four signs that your attic may have asbestos and what you can do to prevent asbestos exposure.

Age of the Home

One of the first and most sure signs that your attic may contain asbestos is if your home was built between the 1930s and 1970s. During this time, asbestos was a commonly used insulation material in homes and buildings. If your home falls in this time frame, it’s best to assume that there may be asbestos present in your attic. If your home was built in this time frame, it’s best to contact a professional asbestos abatement specialist to inspect your attic for asbestos and determine the safest way of removing it.

Unexplained Damage

Another sign that your attic may contain asbestos is if there is unexplained damage to the insulation material. If you notice that the insulation material in your attic is damaged, whether it’s cracked, crumbling, or falling apart, it’s best to have it checked for asbestos. Asbestos becomes a serious threat when it’s been damaged and the fibers have been released into the air. Asbestos exposure can cause serious health issues, so it’s best to contact an asbestos removal specialist if you notice excess damage. Be sure to avoid disturbing your attic as much as possible so the particle does not spread to the rest of the house.

Airborne Dust

If you notice an excessive amount of dust in your attic, it could mean that there is asbestos present. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can easily become airborne and travel around. If you’re experiencing allergy-like symptoms such as coughing, itchy eyes, sneezing, a sore throat, or other respiratory issues after spending time in your attic, it’s best to get the place checked for asbestos and have it removed as soon as possible. Unfortunately, face masks or coverings do not help with asbestos exposure so spend as little time in your attic as possible if there is airborne dust.

Vermiculite Insulation

Often used in attics and walls, vermiculite can sometimes be a hidden source of asbestos in your home. While not all vermiculite contains asbestos, products made from vermiculite ore are known to be contaminated with this hazardous material. The primary concern arises when this insulation is disturbed, releasing potentially harmful asbestos fibers into the air. Therefore, if you discover vermiculite insulation in your home, it’s crucial not to disturb it and seek professional advice immediately. Recognizing this possible source of asbestos is an essential step in ensuring the safety of your living environment.

Asbestos is a serious health hazard that can be found in many homes, particularly in older ones. If you suspect that your attic may contain asbestos, it’s best to have it checked by a professional. If asbestos is found, it should never be disturbed or removed by yourself and instead should be handled by a licensed professional. It’s important to know the signs of asbestos so that you can keep yourself and your family safe from this dangerous material. Knowing the signs discussed in this blog post can help you to identify potential asbestos hazards in your attic and take the necessary steps to have it safely removed and minimize the risk of exposure.