1950's Insulation question

Specific Inspection Topics Interior Inspections
1

Is it possible to know if this insulation contains asbestos without doing a lab test?

“Baldwin-hill 3” batt insulation

Thanks
Dom

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Here is another photo

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Sorry for the multiple replies but I was limited to one attachment per post

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Many thanks in advance

4

Most likely not with the fiberglass insulation. But more likely with that fiberboard crap in your first photo.

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Are you talking about the brown section at the bottom of the insulation that im holding? Thats just discoloration of the fiberglass from being exposed to dirt/sawdust

6

Unlikely for asbestos in the insulation. But the cost of testing for asbestos is low if you have concerns. Are you the homeowner? If you are an inspector, join the InterNACHI team. You can find a wealth of info about all kinds of this stuff.

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Yes that’s what I was referring to. You’re magnified close up made it look bigger/ thicker than it is. I see now

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9

Thank you everyone for the replies.

I will have it tested just for peace of mind.

@lhenderson2 I am not an inspector, just a homeowner trying to gain as much knowledge as possible. I have thought about becoming one though, just don’t know where to start. Any suggestions?

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Well as a member of the InterNACHI team, I strongly recommend them.

Home Inspector Certification Requirements - InterNACHI®

A few more comments about asbestos. You appear to have an older home. Asbestos was a common product in construction components into the 80’s. You rarely have free asbestos fibers floating around in sufficient numbers to pose a health risk, unless and/or until you are doing some destructive remodeling. If you are doing some remodeling like tearing out walls, ceilings, etc, then there is a high probability of releasing asbestos fibers into the air. But, unless you have a lot of asbestos containing materials over a large area, that you are demolitioning, then your health risk is still relatively low with some commons sense precautions. If you are planning on some demolition work, have area samples tested for asbestos. BTW, contrary to popular myth, asbestos has not been eliminated from construction materials. The amount of asbestos in construction materials is less today than pre-80’s but still there.

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12

Hi Dom,

I also have Baldwin hill 3” insulation in my attic and I’m curious what the asbestos test result was. I appreciate your reply.

Alex