It is a pellet like mineral that expands at high temperatures.
Asbestos in attic dangerous.
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that can easily become airborne and causes serious lung diseases such as asbestosis mesothelioma and other types of lung cancer.
Some of these illnesses can take 20 40 years to show symptoms after exposure.
One of the most common materials containing asbestos fibers is attic and wall insulation.
As will be discussed in a moment these fibrils can cause serious and even fatal illnesses.
Coughing is the natural response but the fibers continue to stick causing further irritation.
Asbestos becomes dangerous when its fibers released into the air whether in a factory or during a home renovation.
The primary sources of asbestos danger include vermiculite attic insulation.
These fibers consist of millions of microscopic fibrils.
Asbestos hardly needs an introduction anymore as most homeowners should be schooled in the general dangers of disturbing and breathing asbestos fibers.
The only way to be certain about whether or not your insulation contains asbestos is to have qaulified professionals undertake asbestos testing.
The fibers which look similar to fish hooks enter the lungs and latch along the thin membranes.
Entering your attic or getting inside your walls could break up asbestos insulation and fill the air with asbestos particles exposing you and your loved ones to considerable health risk.
If you have vermiculite insulation in your attic do not store boxes there let children play in the area or try to remove the insulation yourself.
Asbestos is dangerous because it contains what is known as fibrous crystals.
In older homes specifically asbestos may be found in many different materials from pipe insulation to flooring adhesive to roof shingles.
That said not all sources or brands of this product are hazardous.
Exposure to asbestos increases your risk of developing lung diseases such as asbestosis lung cancer or mesothelioma.
Vermiculite itself is not by manufacture harmful.
It is often used in gardening to loosen the soil.
