The primary source of asbestos attic insulation is from a specific mine in montana operated for 70 years by the libby company according to the environmental protection agency.
Asbestos blown attic insulation.
There are many different kinds of wool like insulation that are man made and do not have asbestos but if your attic insulation looks like wool than it is best to be safe and have it tested by a professional.
Loose fill insulation comes in a variety of materials.
The types of insulation that were most commonly made with asbestos are loose fill also called blown in insulation.
Vermiculite attic insulation is the main source of concern with asbestos dangers although asbestos is not in every brand.
Asbestos can be found in the insulation used in walls attics the materials around plumbing and pipes electrical wiring as well as on heating and air conditioning units.
Vermiculite is utilized for attic insulation as well as other purposes.
Vermiculite insulation alone is not dangerous being a pellet style mineral which expands with higher temperatures.
If you notice that you have insulation that is falling apart in your building have a professional inspect for asbestos.
Asbestos is actually a natural fiber so if your attic insulation looks like wool there is a slight chance that it will contain asbestos.
In addition to building insulation vermiculite is commonly used with gardening for loosening soil.
Blown in insulation asbestos has been used as an effective insulator in homes and commercial buildings throughout most of the 20th century.