If you have asbestos insulation then this is a serious problem. If it’s loose asbestos then this is known as friable asbestos which is a lot more dangerous than asbestos cement or asbestos vinyl floor tiles.

Asbestos fibres can easily float around your house which may be inhaled by you, your family or any visitors. Any to asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

The only real way to know if the insulation contains asbestos or not is to have it laboratory tested. Look in your yellow pages or on the net for suitable asbestos analysis labs.

It may pay to be cautious when gathering a sample as well. Use a proper respirator, don’t stir up too much dust, and seal the sample in a clear plastic bag.

Regards,

Jeff.

Take a quarter size piece to a local lab. Place it in a ziplock bag. Cost will be $15-$25. Look in the yellow pages under asbestos lab or environmental lab.

mesothelioma is what is caused by asbestos.. my great aunt got this by working in an asbestos factory in the 50s.. she died 30 years later from the cancer.. It only takes one particle of it, to cause the rampage of infections and cancer.. I would wear a mask.. the best quality mask!
I am not sure if they make insulation with that stuff anymore, but if your working in older homes/businesses, its best to wear the mask or find a different line of employment..
I hope this helps!