Asbestos Insulation: Types, Identification, and What To Do
What Is Asbestos Insulation?
Asbestos insulation was once commonly used for its fire-resistant and durable properties. It was used in nearly every building constructed between the 1930s and 1970s. Asbestos insulation is dangerous due to the microscopic fibers it releases, which can cause severe health issues such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
When Was Asbestos Insulation Produced and Sold?
Asbestos insulation began being marketed in the late 1800s by Johns Manville. By the 1930s, asbestos insulation was widely used in homes, schools, and commercial buildings, despite the industry’s awareness of its harmful effects. Sales largely stopped by the 1980s, though asbestos-contaminated products, like vermiculite, continued to be sold until the 1990s.
What Does Asbestos Insulation Look Like?
Asbestos insulation comes in various forms, including vermiculite, spray insulation, pipe wrapping, loose-fill insulation, and block insulation. These types of insulation are often difficult to distinguish from safer alternatives, making professional testing necessary for identifying the type of asbestos.
Vermiculite
Vermiculite is a pebble-like material, often branded as Zonolite, that can be contaminated with tremolite asbestos. It is most commonly used in attics and insulation around pipes.
Spray Insulation
Spray-on asbestos insulation is typically applied to industrial equipment like steel beams, furnaces, and boilers. It is hazardous because it is friable, meaning it can easily release dangerous fibers into the air.
Pipe Wrapping
This form of asbestos insulation appears around pipes, typically as corrugated cardboard or a material resembling white paper. It can deteriorate over time, increasing the risk of fiber release.
Loose-Fill Insulation
Loose-fill insulation is blown into attics and is highly friable, making it particularly dangerous if disturbed.
Block Insulation
Block insulation consists of solid asbestos blocks, typically found inside walls. They pose a high risk if damaged.
Where Is Asbestos Insulation Found?
Asbestos insulation can be found in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. It is commonly located around boilers, pipes, stoves, and other heat-generating equipment.
Asbestos in Commercial and Industrial Settings
In industrial settings, asbestos insulation is often used in high-temperature areas, including around boilers, engines, turbines, and kilns.
Asbestos in Homes
In residential settings, asbestos insulation can be found in walls, ceilings, floors, and around heat-producing appliances like stoves and water heaters.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Asbestos Insulation?
If you suspect your insulation contains asbestos, avoid disturbing it. Disturbing asbestos insulation can release fibers into the air, causing a health hazard. The safest course of action is to have a licensed contractor test the insulation and check for airborne asbestos fibers.
When Was Asbestos Insulation Banned?
Asbestos was not completely banned in the United States, but several uses of asbestos insulation were restricted:
- 1973: Ban on spray-on asbestos insulation for fireproofing.
- 1975: Ban on pipe and block insulation.
- 1989: Ban on new uses of asbestos.
- 2019: Final rule requiring EPA review of discontinued asbestos products before reintroduction.
Occupational Exposure to Asbestos Insulation
Workers in construction, firefighting, and plumbing are at risk of occupational asbestos exposure due to insulation materials. Occupations with the highest risk include:
- Carpenters
- Construction workers
- Electricians
- Firefighters
- Insulators
Can I Sue for Asbestos Exposure from Insulation?
If you developed an asbestos-related illness after being exposed to asbestos insulation, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit, trust fund claim, or workers’ compensation claim. Experienced asbestos attorneys can help you pursue compensation for your illness. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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