Older forms of rockwool insulation are composed of fiberglass, mineral wool and could contain asbestos. Homes built after 1960 that contain rockwool insulation most likely do not have asbestos. Breathing in asbestos could possibly cause lung-restrictive illness and death.
Does rock wool insulation contain asbestos?
I found another site that stated some old Rock Wool insulation did contain asbestos, but this type was only used in high heat applications on hydronic piping, and not likely in residential attic/wall applications.
Does old insulation contain asbestos?
I did find an old homes and historic homes site that had an exact picture of it and the manufacturer's label that looked identical and it stated that this type old insulation does not contain asbestos.
Does Gold Bond Rockwool contain asbestos?
Gold Bond Rock Wool building Insulation is not likely to contain asbestos but other products from that company did, including some including the Rockwool name such as Gold Bond Rockwool No. 340 insulating cement. Photo above from a 1970's home in Haddonfield New Jersey.
What is rock wool insulation?
Rock Wool Insulation Another mineral-based loose-fill insulation is rock wool, which has a fibrous, soft, cottony texture. Rock wool is usually gray, white, off-white, or brownish-white. It is a manufactured product, made by melting basaltic rock and dolomite with added binders.
Is rock wool insulation asbestos?
Rock wool (RW) is a kind of asbestos substitute and is widely used in the construction industry, in particular for fire-resisting insulation, thermal insulation, and acoustic absorption.Mar 27, 2009
Is Rockwool insulation toxic?
Considering the experts conclusions, including the World Health Organization1 (WHO), we can be sure that stone wool is safe and poses no risk to human health. That's why it is in IARC's Group 3: 'Agents not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans', alongside 'drinking coffee'.
Is Rockwool cancerous?
The EPA has classified refractory ceramic fibers as probable human carcinogens. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined glass filaments, glass wool, rock wool, and slag wool to not be classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).
Can Rockwool insulation make you sick?
How it can make you sick: Because of its tiny glass fibers, it can be a high risk material to have in the home. Brushing against, moving or touching the insulation can dislodge those glass fibers, allowing them to lodge into skin, eyes, and be breathed in to irritate the throat and lungs.Oct 13, 2020
What happens if you breathe in rockwool?
According to the website for the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, skin exposure to rockwool can cause acute irritation of the skin, eyes and the upper respiratory tract which causes difficulty breathing and can lead to infection. Sharp fibers also can pierce the skin increasing the risk of infection.
Is rockwool a Biosoluble?
The terms 'Bio-Soluble' Glass Wool and Rock Wool means the products dissolve in bodily fluids and is quickly cleared from the lungs. The products comply with the test of short-term biopersistence in Note Q of the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission's Standard 10005 (1999).
Is there formaldehyde in rockwool?
10) Does ROCKWOOL contain formaldehyde? Standard ROCKWOOL products do currently use a phenol formaldehyde binder during production. During manufacturing, the binder is cured at very high temperatures leaving only trace amounts in the product after it is produced.
Does FIberglass stay in your lungs forever?
Fiberglass that reaches the lungs may remain in the lungs or the thoracic region. Ingested fiberglass is removed from the body via feces.
Is rockwool safer than FIberglass?
Rock wool can be more costly per batt but has a higher R value than fibreglass per inch; less health risks during installation; easier installation; it performs better for fire and sound and is less harmful to the environment.Sep 29, 2021
What is the safest insulation to use?
5 Healthiest Insulation Options For Your HomeCork. When it comes to healthy insulation, cork tops the list, at least according to a report done by Energy Efficiency For All. ... FIberglass. ... Cellulose. ... Recycled Cotton. ... Sheep's Wool.Aug 18, 2021
What do you do if you inhale fiberglass insulation?
Measures can be taken to reduce exposure after a person has come in contact with fiberglass. Eyes should be flushed with water and any area of exposed skin should be washed with soap and warm water to remove fibers.
Why was asbestos added to rock wool insulation?
Asbestos was added to the company's "rock wool" insulation for insulating value or as a binder according to sources cited below. Also if mineral wool or rock wool was produced at a facility that also handled asbestos there is a possibility of some cross-contamination between the materials.
When was rock wool invented?
Mineral wool or "rock wool" or "slag wool" building insulation properties. Mineral wool insulation, developed in the 1850's, patented in 1875 in the U.S. and this material, also called rock wool or in some texts slag wool insulation remained in popular use in the U.S. up to the 1950's, and is still in use today (2008) in some new construction, ...
What is the melting point of Johns Manville insulation batts?
The company notes that this product has a melting point of 2000°F.
What is Spintex insulation?
Spintex® was described as well as a "blown home insulation" in the form of Spintex batts and blankets. - Johns-Manville Corp., " Asbestos the Magic Mineral ", [8 MB PDF] Johns Manville on the occasion of its 100th Anniversary, when in 1958 the company described its use of mineral slag (obtained as a byproduct from metal refining) beginning as early as 1928 and producing mineral wool. Quoting from that document,
What is Johns Manville Spintex insulation?
The short answer is that all research we've made to date indicates that Johns Manville Spintex® batt insulation was a rock wool or "mineral wool" foil faced insulating batt product.
What does a rock wool blanket look like?
The blankets are quite heavy, filled with what looks like reddish brown dirt and tiny pebbles and tiny pieces of fiber, paper covered with a blue or black manufacturer's label box framed picture of a house on the right and instructions on the left that states Rock Wool above it.
Does gold bond rock wool contain asbestos?
Gold Bond Rock Wool building Insulation is not likely to contain asbestos but other products from that company did, including some including the Rockwool name such as Gold Bond Rockwool No. 340 insulating cement. Photo above from a 1970's home in Haddonfield New Jersey.
What color is asbestos insulation?
Color – The most common type of asbestos-containing insulation is vermiculite which has a specific coloring. If your insulation is gray-brown or silver-gold, chances are it’s time to call a professional. If your loose-fill insulation is a dull gray, and soft – it’s a good bet that your insulation is mineral-based and asbestos-free.
What is the phone number to call for insulation?
You can fill out our online form or give us a call at 800-836-2535 to schedule your insulation consultation.
Does asbestos insulation have texture?
Fluff – If your loose-fill insulation is fluffy, and mimics the look of a snow drift, chances are: your insulation is fiberglass based and doesn’t contain any asbestos.
Does Insulation Have Asbestos?
Yes and no. Not all insulation contains asbestos. But how can you tell if the insulation you have in your home or commercial space contains asbestos? The main manufacturer of insulation containing asbestos stopped producing in 1990, so if the insulation in your home was installed after this time, chances are: your insulation is mineral and/or fiberglass based. There are a few other tell-tale signs that you can look for to determine if your insulation is safe, or if it may be time to call a professional.
Where is asbestos insulation found?
In the United States, most of the vermiculite insulation containing asbestos was sourced from a mine near Libby, Montana, which was active until 1990.
What percentage of vermiculite insulation is asbestos?
Insulation made from this material represents over 70 percent of the vermiculite insulation found in U.S. homes. Because the Libby mine closed in 1990, houses built or remodeled before that date might have asbestos-containing insulation. If the house was built after 1990, the chance that your house has asbestos-contaminated insulation are reduced ...
What is fiberglass fill?
If you have loose-fill insulation that is white and fluffy and has a little shine, it is probably fiberglass fill. Because it is a glass product, fiberglass has a slight shine when subjected to bright light. It is very soft, almost like cotton candy, and is composed of very fine fibers 2 .
How to test for asbestos in insulation?
You can test the insulation for asbestos using an asbestos testing kit or by having a sample tested at an approved testing laboratory. If you discover that you do have insulation containing asbestos, you can leave it in place or have it removed by a local asbestos abatement company.
What type of insulation is used in a batt?
Loose-Fill Insulation. If your attic or wall insulation is in batt or blanket form, whether it's fiberglass, cellulose, or another material, you generally don't have to be concerned about asbestos. The types of insulation that were most commonly made with asbestos are loose-fill, also called blown-in, insulation.
Is asbestos a breathing irritant?
At the least, asbestos is a breathing irritant. At worst, asbestos can cause mesothelioma, a cancerous condition that can lead to serious health problems or death. In older homes, specifically, asbestos may be found in many different materials, from pipe insulation to flooring adhesive to roof shingles.
Is asbestos fiber dangerous?
Asbestos fibers are most dangerous when they are airborne and can be breathed in. Leaving insulation undisturbed greatly reduces the risk of exposure. You can test the insulation for asbestos using an asbestos testing kit or by having a sample tested at an approved testing laboratory.
What is rock wool insulation made of?
Mineral Wool Insulation. “Rock wool” is made from mineral fibers manufactured from stone and waste from mining . It consists of aluminum silicate rock (basalt), furnace slag and limestone or dolomite. “Slag wool” is produced mainly from blast furnace slag with some natural stone. The term for both types of this fibrous insulation is mineral wool.
What is the most common insulation in an attic?
Fiberglass and cellulose are the most common insulation installed in residential attics today. I have never read or heard of either containing any asbestos fibers. Other than vermiculite, it’s actually quite rare to find thermal insulation in residential attics that contains asbestos.
What is the insulation behind the upstairs knee wall called?
A home inspector pointed out that the insulation behind the upstairs knee-walls is called “something wool”. It’s old, dirty and fibrous and the inspector told him that it should be tested for asbestos fibers. Mineral Wool Insulation.
Is balsam wool a natural product?
“Balsam wool” is a shredded wood product, treated with borax as a fire-retardant. It’s considered a very natural product and does not contain asbestos. There is one type of older insulation that has a significant possibility of being contaminated with asbestos.
Does mineral wool contain asbestos?
Since mineral wool is a man-made fiber, it does not contain asbestos. I’ve read about mineral wool, asbestos and resins mixed together to manufacture a couple specific industrial insulating products, but it’s not likely the kind of stuff used for residential insulation. Other Insulation.
Preparation
Diagnosis
- How, exactly, can you identify whether your attic insulation is asbestos? Let's look at the particulars of loose-fill insulation that may contain asbestos.
Safety
- The main source of asbestos danger concerns vermiculite attic insulation, but not all brands or all sources of vermiculate pose a hazard. There is nothing inherently bad about vermiculite, which is a pellet-like mineral that expands at high temperatures and which is often used for gardening as an amendment that loosens soil and improves its ability to transmit water.
Other uses
- Vermiculite is also used for insulation, in particular, the vermiculite that was mined by the Libby company in Montana for about 70 years, under the brand name Zonolite.
Properties
- Although Zonolite is a mineral, it is lightweight, because during the production process it is subjected to high heat that causes the particles to puff up. If so, it is probably cellulose insulation. Cellulose has a high recycled paper content, no minerals. Close examination will show that this puffy gray material does not contain earth minerals at all, but will look like shredded gray paper. …
Types
- Another mineral-based loose fill insulation is rock wool, which frequently appears as bundles of fibers with a soft, cottony appearance. Rock wool is white, off-white or brownish-white. Rock wool is a manufactured product, made by melting basaltic rock and dolomite and adding binders. The raw material is heated to 2,750 degrees Fahrenheit until it melts. The molten material is spun int…
Risks
- If your loose-fill insulation fits the visual cues for vermiculite insulation, you can check to see if it is the asbestos-carrying Zonolite type by purchasing a DIY asbestos testing kit or seeking a commercial firm who can test for asbestos. DIY kits are usually available for less than $50. If you discover that you do have insulation containing asb...