Asbestos insulation Q&A fact sheet

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

■ A >;:h,Al?IDR- Questions and Answers - Exposure to Asbestos in Insulation http:Z/www.atsdr.cdc.gov/NEWS/asbestosinsulation2ihtinl /^^^

Even if it contains asbestos, the insulation may not be a problem if it is in good condition. For -- ®- asbestos to present a problem for the homeowner, it must be disturbed so that tiny fibers are released into the air and inhaled or ingested.

Just going into the attic without disturbing a lot of dust will probably not harm you.

Should I leave asbestos-containing insulation in my attic?

If the asbestos insulation is not fraying or breaking down and producing a lot of dust (containing free fibers), then it can remain. Asbestos insulation in good condition, left undisturbed, will not harm you.

If the insulation is producing dust, it would be wise to cover it with sheets of plastic and/or plywood. Plastic alone would be okay if you don’t go into the attic often; the plywood, with its seams caulked, installed over the plastic would be better if you spend significant time there.

In the long term, it would be better for a professional to replace old asbestos insulation with more modem insulation. However, containment of the asbestos with properly installed plastic and wood is an option to delay that expense.

Some states may require that owners selling their houses inform the buyers of the asbestos in the house.

I have insulation that’s quite old (more than 15 years). Is it possible that the asbestos in it could still pose a health problem?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber and it is unlikely to break down over time under the kinds of conditions found in a home. If there was asbestos in the insulation when it was installed, it is still there.

In fact, as the insulation gets older, it may deteriorate through normal wear and tear into the kind of tiny airborne fibers that are of concern. If this is the case, you may want to consider containment options.?If the insulation is producing dust, it would be wise to cover it with sheets of plastic and/or plywood. Plastic alone would be okay if you don't go into the attic often; the plywood, with its seams caulked, installed over the plastic would be better if you spend significant time there. In the long term, it would be better for a professional to replace old asbestos insulation with more modem insulation. However, containment of the asbestos with properly installed plastic and wood is an option to delay that expense.

If you think that fibers from your attic may be getting into your living space, then you may want to consult an asbestos expert to have it evaluated and perhaps removed. You may be able to find a qualified asbestos removal contractor by contacting a regional or state industrial or homeowners contractors association or your local, county or state public health office.

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Not all insulation is made from asbestos; insulation may be made out of fiberglass or other materials. You should first determine whether the insulation that you handled contains asbestos.

Handling rolls of insulation containing asbestos increases the chance that you have been exposed to harmful fibers.

Whether that exposure is likely to cause harmful health effects is unique to each individual. Each

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