Being Aware of Attic Insulation Dangers

When you stop to consider that for many people, the biggest purchase they will ever make is their home, it makes sense that every aspect of it is a big deal.   Many people do decide to build from scratch and thus avoid the potential attic insulation dangers, but many others buy homes that were built decades ago before the real risks associated with certain types of insulation were known.  Concerns about attic insulation are no reason to not buy a preexisting home or to feel unsafe in the house you have.  All you need is to learn about common risks and figure out how you can protect yourself and your family.

The most well known threat when it comes to residential insulation is asbestos.  This material is made from several naturally found minerals that were mined for their insulation properties and used in homes from the 1930’s to the 1970’s.  If the material is disturbed and inhaled into the lungs it can cause lung cancer, a rare cancer of the chest, lungs, and abdomen, called mesothelioma, and asbestosis.  If you are pretty sure you have asbestos in your home, there is little risk if the insulation is in good condition.  If it’s not, you might want to look into the safe ways to have it replaced with a safer material.

Attic Insulation Dangers

Another of the attic insulation dangers you have to consider and check for is pink insulation.  Just about everyone knows what this stuff looks like.  Backed in paper, it looks like pink cotton candy.  At one time, it was thought to be the safest insulation material available.  With more in depth studies in the 1990’s, experts changed their minds and gave it a rating similar to the one for asbestos materials.  The formaldehyde ingredients found in pink insulation is the health risk.

Understanding the attic insulation dangers is important for the health of your family and the value of your home.  If you are concerned at all about your safety, have a professional come in for an evaluation of your home. 

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