The only certain way is to bulk sample the material. If the material is dated before 1978, there's a good chance asbestos may be present.

Only certified professionals are allowed to take samples for laboratory analysis and only an accredited laboratory can positively identify asbestos containing materials. Contact a professional trained in asbestos regulations if you want a survey conducted for your building.

If the pipe insulation is in good condition, and there is little or no chance of it being disturbed, it is probably best to leave it in place. If the pipe insulation is slightly damaged, it can usually be repaired or encapsulated using various methods. Often, there is less risk repairing the material than removing it. EPA does not regulate the removal and disposal of asbestos containing material from privately owned single family residences.

Undisturbed vermiculate home insulation that is intact and not migrating into living areas should not pose a significant exposure hazard for home occupants. However, occupants should avoid going into their attics and disturbing the insulation. If work must be done in attics containing vermiculate asbestos insulation, it should be performed by professionals familiar with the handling and containment of asbestos containing materials.

Asbestos is a known carcinogen representing a serious concern. Most often, asbestos is found in older homes, usually built in the 1920s and 30s, with hot water heat utilizing a boiler and radiators. Review the Property Disclosure Statement to determine how the seller has answered this question and ask your property inspector to investigate the possible existence of asbestos. Please note that the Property Disclosure Statement for Strata Titled Properties does not cover the issue of asbestos.

Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring minerals that have long been known to have useful properties such as strength, flexibility, and heat resistance. These minerals are essentially a type of stone that can be woven into fabric and used in construction materials.

Have your house inspected by a Florida licensed asbestos consultant or someone working under his direction, to determine if there is suspect asbestos containing material present. Florida Statutes 469 requires training and licensing for asbestos consultants and contractors to do an asbestos survey and to remove asbestos containing materials. There are exemptions for removal of asbestos containing roofing material and resilient floor covering.

The Libby mine was unusual because the area also included a natural deposit of tremolite asbestos. As a result, much of the vermiculate from the Libby mine was contaminated with tremolite asbestos. In light of the amount of vermiculate that came from Libby, it may be best to simply assume the vermiculate attic insulation will contain trace amounts of asbestos and act accordingly.

The amount of insulation in a home varies depending upon where you live. NAIMA has developed recommended levels of insulation for various climate zones. These recommendations are based on recommendations from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the International Energy Conservation Code which is the model building code for the United States. Click here to visit SimplyInsulate.com to learn about what zone your home is in and how much you insulation you need.

Generally, asbestos-containing materials do not have to be removed from residential property. In fact, asbestos-containing materials do not have to be removed from any residential structures unless they will be disturbed during renovations or demolition activities. As long as the asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and will not be disturbed; they do not pose a significant health risk.

The duty requires that you make information on the location and condition of the asbestos available to anyone liable to work on it or disturb it. Any employees involved in building maintenance work and any contractors working on the premises should know if the building contains or may contain asbestos. They should also be told where it is and that there are potential risks to their health if they disturb it.

A reflective insulation reduces radiant heat transfer across air spaces by use of one or more high reflective/low emittance surfaces (Reflectivity of 90% or higher - Emissivity of 10% or less). This rate of heat transfer can be quantified in an R-value (for a specific application).