While asbestos was a very popular building material for most of the twentieth century [1], advances in science began showing more and more evidence of the risks and dangers it posed. Most older homes can still contain asbestos, from vermiculite insulation and tiling to pipe wrap and duct tape.
Understanding where asbestos can be found in your older home and its original use can help you determine whether or not it poses a risk to your health and that of your family. An attic services company like Attic Projects can help you evaluate the risk asbestos may pose.
Just how dangerous is asbestos?
Well, for those who don’t know, asbestos is tiny fibers that were popular in the 1900s because of their fireproofing abilities. It began gaining popularity during the Industrial Age due to its resistance to water, chemicals, and electricity. Then, when WWII happened, the asbestos industry boomed, along with the health risks.
Asbestos can get trapped in your lungs just by breathing dust released by materials containing it. It has been known to cause asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other cancers. Asbestosis is a chronic, non-cancerous upper respiratory disease caused by asbestos being trapped in the lungs and causing scarring.
Although you need a lot of exposure to feel the real health concerns of asbestos, it is best to have it removed as soon as possible. You never know what happened in your attic or home prior to purchasing. The previous owners could have drilled holes or covered the walls or insulation that could have released the asbestos into the air.
Contact an Attic Projects professional immediately if you believe there could be asbestos in your home.
Why Asbestos in the Attic Is Dangerous
Asbestos becomes hazardous during home maintenance or renovations.
- Drilling and Nailing: When drilling or nailing into walls or ceilings that contain asbestos, fibers can be released into the air.
- Removing Old Insulation: Disturbing asbestos-laden insulation during replacement can release dangerous fibers.
- Cutting and Sanding: Any cutting or sanding of materials that contain asbestos can create dust that is easily inhaled.
- HVAC Work: Repairing or replacing ductwork sealed with asbestos tape can expose workers to asbestos.
These activities can dislodge asbestos fibers, making them airborne and easy to inhale, posing severe health risks over time.
Identifying Asbestos in Attic Insulation
Identifying asbestos in your attic insulation is vital for ensuring your safety. One of the most common forms of asbestos insulation is vermiculite.
Here are some tips to help you identify it during a spot inspection:
- Appearance: Vermiculite insulation resembles small, lightweight pebbles and is usually gray-brown or silver-gold.
- Texture: It is loose and pourable, similar to small gravel.
- Location: Vermiculite is often found poured between joists in the attic or in wall cavities.
If you suspect that you have vermiculite or any other form of asbestos insulation, do not disturb it. Contact a professional to conduct a proper assessment.
Where can I find asbestos in my older home?
The attic is the first place you’ll want to check for asbestos in your older home. Older insulation is one of the primary sources of asbestos in the house. By taking a careful look at the kind of insulation you have, you’ll be able to know if it needs replacement. Removing old asbestos-based insulation is a hazardous task and should be undertaken only by an attic services professional.
Another place to check for asbestos in your attic is to see if there is old asbestos duct tape or pipe wrapping on your HVAC and plumbing systems. Older tapes and sealants could be asbestos-based, and while not as dangerous to your health as asbestos insulation, you’ll want to ensure that it isn’t fraying or releasing particles into the air.
Older homes often contain asbestos-based roofing and siding, so you’ll want to check to ensure they are also safe. Finally, check any old floor tiling to see if it is asbestos-based.
How do I get rid of asbestos in my home?
Asbestos is considered very dangerous to your health, so it must be handled carefully by an attic services professional. The primary danger from asbestos is that it will find its way into your lungs if it becomes airborne. If you find asbestos in your home, the first rule is to leave it alone!
If you leave it undisturbed until a professional can come in and make an assessment, you won’t risk having particles seep into the air. Often, a professional will recommend leaving it in place if it is difficult to remove safely or even seal it up. If removal is the only option, the attic services professional will work with you to create a detailed mitigation plan to safely remove the asbestos.
Disposing of Asbestos in Seattle
Proper disposal of asbestos is required by law for health and environmental safety. In Seattle, residents must follow specific guidelines for safely handling and disposing of asbestos-containing materials.
- Preparation: Ensure that asbestos materials are properly wetted and sealed in leak-tight containers.
- Labeling: Clearly label containers with a warning that they contain asbestos.
- Drop-off Locations: Take asbestos waste to designated facilities authorized to handle asbestos.
- North Household Hazardous Waste Facility
- Address: 12550 Stone Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98133
- Hours: Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Closed on July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day)
- South Household Hazardous Waste Facility
- Address: 8105 Fifth Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98108
- Hours: Thursday – Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Closed on July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day)
- North Household Hazardous Waste Facility
For detailed instructions and drop-off locations, visit the Seattle Public Utilities Asbestos Disposal Page.
How do I know if I need help?
Regarding asbestos, the short answer is that you always need help! Asbestos is hazardous to your health, so it’s best to know the facts from a professional. Even if they find some asbestos lingering in your older home, the pro knows how to handle it, whether by removing it or sealing it safely.
Attic Projects Company
If you suspect you have asbestos in your home, give us a call right away! We’ll come out, thoroughly inspect, and ensure your home is as safe as possible. Even if you don’t think there is asbestos in your home and we find something that could be asbestos while conducting an inspection, we will take a sample and let you know as soon as possible. Your safety is our number one priority.
Recommended Article: What Does Asbestos Insulation Look Like?
Work Cited
- King, Daniel, and Walter Pacheco. “History of Asbestos Around the Globe.” Mesothelioma Center, https://www.asbestos.com/asbestos/history/. Accessed 9 July 2024.
