Insulation, Radiant and Vapor Barriers - Buying home-have asbestos concerns

How concerned do I need to be and what do I need to do? I am going to move soon to one of three homes all of them are 90 to 100 years old. All completely redone and look great; but, what is hiding in the walls and attic?? I am very concerned that they could have Asbestos??? Should I get a asbestos test done before I purchase one of these homes?? One of the homes has a whole house fan and the attic is filled with some kind of insulation that is of course being blown around by the whole house fan. Another house I looked at has asbestos insulation in the walls and attic. I know this because the home owner told me. Therefore, I am worried that these other house also probably have asbestos. Any info would be appreciated.

When you say the house has asbestos insulation in the walls and ceilings could you possibly mean the house has Zonolite insulation?
If this is the case then you need surely research the subject fully but don't get caught up in the hype.

SOME Zonolite has been found to be contaminated with asbestos but not all and even if there is some asbestos the actual amount is small and there is no problem if it is not disturbed.


"attic is filled with some kind of insulation that is of course being blown around"

What kind of insulation is being blown around???
Even if not contaminated with asbestos, fiberglass or even cellulose which is just paper can be a hazard if the dust of these compounds is in the air.

Are you buying one of these houses?
Yes, having concerns checked would give peace of mind but you might be worrying too much.

Don't make yourself sick with worry by any means, just be cautious with material that may contain asbestos, which unfortunately can be a long list. Take a look at this site for some info, it contains pictures of Zonolite, probably the biggest asbestos problem in older houses in the attic: http://www.closerlookinspection.com/asbestos.htm
Use Google for some more info or lists of things to watch out for.

If suspect asbestos containing insulation is being disturbed, I would have it tested as it is not so much the part of having the asbestos in the house or building that is dangerous, it's when it is disturbed and the small fibres become airborne. If you want too get any material that may contain asbestos tested, choose a qualified reputable company in your area. Polarized light microscopy is commonly used to identify the fibres in a lab. There is many different types of asbestos, but you can never tell just by looking. So to reiterate, I would have suspected items that have been disturbed or will be disturbed tested. We had our popcorn ceiling tested before, which proved negative for fibres. Don't worry, just be smart and conscious about this stuff and other household problems (Radon, etc.)

If any asbestos was found, you could choose to have it removed (costly and potentialy dangerous - companies must be reputable and IMO removal should be left only to them). Encapsulation is also available which would seal the asbestos. Also you could leave it and just make sure it isn't stirred up, or damaged, etc.

Good luck with your houses!

I have found a useful link on identifying asbestos in the home.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
This may be helpful.