What Does Asbestos Insulation Look Like?
Asbestos insulation was once (disturbingly) the darling of industry and manufacturing for many decades, and used extensively for over a century due to its exceptional insulating properties. Composed of strong, densely packed fibers, asbestos was once considered nothing short of a ‘miracle mineral’ and used to make various building materials, such as insulation for homes, offices, and other structural spaces. Tragically, we are now all-too painfully aware that exposure to asbestos can cause anything from relatively mild illness to catastrophic diagnoses, such as an aggressive form of asbestos-related cancer, called mesothelioma.
If your home or office was built prior to 1977, it’s highly likely that asbestos insulation is present, unless it has already been removed since construction. Given that so many of us still live and work in older buildings, the possibility of asbestos insulation lurking is something we can’t afford to ignore. It’s vital, therefore, to understand what asbestos insulation actually looks like, why it’s so dangerous, and how to protect yourself and others from it – prevention is most certainly better than cure.
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If you may have been exposed to asbestos, even when you were a child, speak to your healthcare provider about tests and screening to help detect the presence of asbestos fibers and asbestos-related diseases.
Asbestos Insulation Varieties
Loose-fill asbestos: Often mixed with other insulative materials, such as vermiculite or cellulose, and commonly used to insulate walls, attics, and ceilings
Spray-on asbestos: Efficiently applied using a spray gun to insulate surfaces such as ductwork, piping, walls, and ceilings
Asbestos-containing plaster: Used to coat walls and ceilings, as well as to create decorative features, such as moldings and textured finishes
Asbestos-containing pipe insulation: Commonly wrapped around pipes, boilers, and other heating and cooling equipment to prevent heat loss
“Some asbestos fibers may bypass…your body’s natural defenses…and lodge deep within your lungs. Those fibers can remain in place for a very long time and may never be removed.”Source: American Lung Association |
Do Not Disturb
While asbestos insulation isn’t dangerous when intact and left undisturbed, construction work or home renovation could dislodge the asbestos particles, sending it airborne and making the air around you incredibly hazardous to your health. The National Cancer Institute’s position is crystal-clear – there’s simply no such thing as a safe level of asbestos exposure. Once the asbestos fibers have been released, they can easily waft around, inconspicuously meandering into adjacent rooms, and putting everyone at even greater risk of respiratory issues, or worse down the track.
Sharing a home or vehicle with someone wearing asbestos-tainted clothing puts you at risk of asbestos-related diseases.1
The Gray Ghost
Identifying asbestos insulation with the naked eye can be quite the conundrum, as it’s devilishly similar in appearance to many modern, safe alternatives. Still, it does possess certain characteristics that help to figure it out.
The texture of asbestos insulation is a fairly distinct feature that can help in its identification. Typically, asbestos insulation is coarse and fibrous, comprising tightly packed fibers (which enabled it to trap heat so well), and this texture can sometimes be apparent upon closer inspection.
“Generally, those who develop asbestos-related diseases show no signs of illness for a long time after exposure.”Source: National Cancer Institute (NIH)2 |
It’s important to note, however, that not all asbestos insulation features the same, tell-tale texture; loose-fill asbestos, for example, consists of small, loose fibers that can appear rather ‘fluffy.’ This type of insulation was frequently used to insulate attics, ceilings, and walls in both residential and commercial buildings.
Asbestos comes in a variety of colors, but most asbestos insulation is white or gray.
Color is another factor to consider when attempting to identify asbestos insulation. Asbestos insulation can be gray, white, or somewhere in between with a grayish tinge. That said, it’s vital to understand that color alone is’t a sufficient indicator of asbestos content for the purposes of staying safe.
“All forms of asbestos are carcinogenic to humans.”3
Lastly, age is a crucial factor in correctly detecting asbestos insulation.
Asbestos insulation was a mainstream construction material until well into the 1970s; if your home was built before then, it’s highly likely to contain asbestos insulation (unless someone in-the-know has already had it removed). If you occupy an older building, it’s advisable to err on the side of caution and have it professionally assessed.
To distinguish between asbestos and non-asbestos insulation, it’s important to look for certain markers. Asbestos insulation is typically much denser than non-asbestos insulation, and it may have a more irregular or “burly” texture. Additionally, asbestos insulation may contain small, sharp fibers that can be dangerous if inhaled. Conversely, non-asbestos insulation tends to be smoother and more uniform in textural appearance.
Asbestos has no taste or smell.
You may not know you’re breathing it.
The Canary in the Coal Mine
Irving Selikoff, a renowned physician and epidemiologist, was one of the first scientists on the asbestos scene research-wise, recognizing the hazards of asbestos exposure beyond the mining and manufacturing industries. Conducted his research during the mid-20th century, his findings helped to highlight the health risks faced by workers in the insulation industry and coming into regular contact with asbestos fibers.
“The overall evidence suggests there is no safe level of asbestos exposure.”Source: National Cancer Institute (NIH)4 |
When Dr. Selikoff’s published his findings that asbestos caused health problems, the asbestos industry called him ‘dangerous’.
Selikoff’s studies shone a blinding, alarming light on the fact that asbestos exposure can lead to various health issues, including mesothelioma and asbestosis; his research also uncovered the extent of the risks being taken – that even brief exposure to asbestos could lead to long-term damage to our health.
Do You Qualify For Compensation?
Quickly and easily find out how you were exposed by searching W.A.R.D., the largest asbestos database on the planet.
FREE SEARCH >Selikoff’s crucial findings helped to raise awareness as to the dangers of asbestos, and played a crucial role in bringing about stricter regulations and safety measures to protect workers from its devastating effects. This important work also contributed to asbestos being formally recognized as a carcinogen, thus highlighting the need for continued research to fully understand the health implications of exposure – and as they dug deeper, the plot sadly thickened.
The health risks of asbestos exposure can include:
| Mesothelioma: cancer of the mesothelium, the thin layer of tissue surrounding the body’s organs. This cancer is only known to be caused by asbestos exposure. | Lung cancer |
| Laryngeal cancer: cancer of the larynx (section of the throat called the voicebox) | Ovarian cancer |
| Stomach cancer | Colon cancer |
| Pharyngeal cancer | Asbestosis: a chronic lung disease associated with asbestos exposure |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) | Atelectasis (collapsed lung) |
| Pleural effusion (collection of fluid around the lungs) | Pericardial effusion (collection of fluid around the heart) |
My Home Has Asbestos Insulation – What Do I Do?
The only way to stay safe from asbestos insulation is to take it seriously, and that means educating yourself as to the dangers, the chances of exposure, the likelihood of it being present in your property, and calling in the experts to handle it.
Use a professional for proper asbestos testing and removal
Never (ever) attempt to test asbestos insulation for yourself, as you could inadvertently spread the fibers and put yourself in even greater danger. Instead, have it tested by a professional asbestos inspector, who’ll be able to identify whether asbestos is present and recommend the appropriate course of action to take.
It may be necessary to have the asbestos insulation removed by a licensed professional, although sometimes, it’s recommended to leave it in situ and monitor it regularly for any signs of deterioration or damage. That said, it’s understandable to want to get rid of it, and the pros can advise you as to whether they can remove it for you regardless, or if not, why not.
Asbestos causes cancer. Health researchers are learning how.
Studies show that asbestos fibers embed in the bodily tissue:
Causing scarring
Disrupting the body’s defense mechanisms
Increasing formation of free-radicals (electrical charges known to increase the likelihood of cancer)
Harming DNA that controls cellular growth, potentially leading to the formation of carcinomas (cancerous tumors)
Asbestos insulation can be one of the most dangerous asbestos products. The fibers can easily break off and become airborne, making them easy to inhale.
It’s crucial to avoid disturbing asbestos insulation. If you must work with or near asbestos insulation, without fail wear your protective gear, including face mask, goggles, and gloves to help prevent the inhalation of the deadly fibers. Should asbestos need to be removed, hire a licensed professional with experience in handling it safely – they will have all the necessary equipment and training to safely remove or repair the insulation while minimizing the risk of exposure.
AsbestosClaims.Law
Asbestos claims aren’t just a day in the office for Justinian C. Lane.
They’re a mission.
In the past, workers exposed to asbestos were kept in the dark about the dangers of asbestos exposure. Among those workers were Justinian’s grandparents and his own father.
Unfortunately, they were also kept in the dark about the compensation options available to them, such as asbestos lawsuits and trust funds. In their later years, they died from asbestos-related cancers.
Because no one in Justinian’s family knew their options, they never received any compensation for the death of their loved ones.
Today, we’re working to turn the tide.
Significant compensation may be available to you if you have contracted an asbestos-related illness or injury. This includes workers as well as family members who have been exposed.
Compensation is your key to receiving the medical treatment you need, funding asbestos removal services, and maintaining your physical well-being.
Want to know one of the quickest and easiest ways to receive compensation? Let us talk to you about asbestos trust claims. This option can often avoid lawsuits altogether.
We want to hear your story, and more importantly, we want to bring redemption to it.
Need help filing a claim? No problem, you can email us at [email protected].
Would you rather talk over the phone? Simply call or text us, at (206) 455-9190.
You won’t pay a penny to us unless you receive money first, so there’s no risk.
In addition to legal claims, veterans disability, social security and employment protection like workers compensation, FELA and The Jones Act for maritime workers, there are asbestos trusts that have been set up to compensate those harmed by asbestos without having to file a lawsuit.
The dangers of asbestos used to be an industry-guarded secret kept from suffering people like Justinian’s family. Not anymore. We’re bringing you the truth.
We’ve created numerous resources to help answer your questions and empower you with the information you need to know and act on.
Our website has a wealth of information dedicated to things like health and safety, asbestos testing, asbestos removal, and legal information about compensation for asbestos injuries.
Are you a visual learner? No problem!
Our YouTube page has infographics, an asbestos history series, and other helpful resources for you to check out!
| Not sure where or when you were exposed to asbestos? Let W.A.R.D. help you! The Worldwide Asbestos Research Database (W.A.R.D) is the largest asbestos information database, period. If you need answers related to specific locations, products, or what type of compensation may be available to you due to asbestos exposure, W.A.R.D. is the place to start. |
Working with us is risk-free. Unless you receive compensation money, there are NO FEES! Speak to us about asbestos litigation today.
1 Anua, S.M., Semple, S., Shakri, S.F.M., Safuan, S., Mazlan, N. and Asri, A.A.M., 2019. A review of the take-home exposure pathway of workplace hazards. International Journal of Medical Toxicology & Legal Medicine, 22(3and4), pp.13-19.
2 National Cancer Institute (NIH), Asbestos Fact Sheet.
3 IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. Arsenic, metals, fibres, and dusts. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. 2012 ;100(Pt C):11-465. PMID: 23189751.
4 National Cancer Institute (NIH), Asbestos Fact Sheet.