In this austin texas home the vermiculite was hiding beneath blown cellulose insulation.
Old attic insulation asbestos.
In older homes specifically asbestos may be found in many different materials from pipe insulation to flooring adhesive to roof shingles.
It is often used for gardening and as insulation in older homes.
In older homes asbestos can be found in many things insulation included especially loose fill attic insulation.
See this article on vermiculite and asbestos for more information.
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.
Fiberglass and cellulose are the most common insulation installed in residential attics today.
There is one type of older insulation that has a significant possibility of being contaminated with asbestos.
But the vermiculite that was mined years ago was contaminated with an asbestos like material.
If you notice that you have insulation that is falling apart in your building have a professional inspect for asbestos.
That is the loose granular insulation called vermiculite.
Asbestos is actually a natural fiber so if your attic insulation looks like wool there is a slight chance that it will contain asbestos.
One of the most common materials containing asbestos fibers is attic and wall insulation.
If your insulation is in batt form you shouldn t worry.
But just because your insulation is old doesn t mean it is dangerous.