# Abestos Insulation You Want to Change Out by Krista Peterson

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/04/change-out-your-insulation-by-krista-peterson/
- Published: 2020-04-24T23:49:57-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

Because of asbestos you need to change your insulation. So let’s get healthy. Old
insulation contains asbestos. So we know that insulating attics [saves money](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/05/ways-to-reduce-your-biggest-bills-and-save-the-planet-in-the-process/)
and energy in the long run. Yet insulation can contain asbestos. It’s a great way
to keep your house cool during the [upcoming summer months](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/insulation-levels-in-reroofing-projects-to-comply-with-requirements-for-new-construction/).
In addition it and serves to warm your home up during brutal DC winters.

![Asbestos insulation ](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2014/08/img_0932.jpg?resize=135%2C87&quality=52&ssl=1)

But even if you have [older](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/02/ach-foam-technologies-foam-control-plus-is-serious-for-converting-to-rigid-foam-insulation/)
insulation. You need to check it because leaks and wear and tear still let air in
and out.

This costs you and the environment. Therefore you want to change out old insulation
as well.

Insulation before 1975 in homes contain a material called asbestos. So asbestos,
a natural mineral mined from deposits in the earth. Also asbestos is inexpensive,
easy to handle, and fire-retardant. It also resists rusting and molding. Thereby
alone, a completely harmless material. That’s when intact and undisturbed.

#### However, we now know old insulation can contain asbestos. Asbestos contains dangerous carcinogens.

![Insulation in the Attic](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2014/08/img_2168.jpg?w=780&quality=52&ssl=1)

When asbestos materials damage or disturbed, fine and nearly invisible fibers release
into the air. These fibers attach to clothes, hair, and shoes and are transported
easily. Thereby exposing neighbors, friends, and family members to fibers.

Then inhaled or ingested. Over a long period of exposure, fibers collect in the 
lining of the lungs or abdomen. Thereby resulting in severe scarring. This scarred
tissue usually becomes cancerous and leads to [mesothelioma](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/09/living-well-while-living-green-no-mesothelioma/).

Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly cancer of the lungs. Mesothelioma symptoms are
subtle and can lie dormant for 20-50 years. So way after you or your family members
exposed to asbestos. Again and because of this dormancy, mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed.
As well as diagnosis can be delayed. Late diagnoses mean that the cancer has often
already spread to vital organs and treatment is difficult or ineffective.

#### Mesothelioma life expectancy rates are low. Also patients generally only live for a few months after diagnosis.

In conclusion, protect your family from the dangers of [mesothelioma](https://www.asbestos.com/asbestos/).
Have your [insulation](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/12/insulation-is-to-go-green-for-your-home/)
inspected. Inspected for asbestos contamination. Especially if your house constructed
or insulated before 1975. Finally and if your insulation contains asbestos, contact
a certified asbestos abatement professional. Don’t remove. Let them do the removal.
Again and in the end, new insulation [saves you money](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/dow-building-insulation-products-achieve-recertificatio/).
It [cuts energy waste](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/04/how-to-decrease-your-energy-bills-during-summer/),
and reduces your risk for mesothelioma.

_Krista is a graduate from the University of Central Florida. She is an aspiring
writer. A writer with a passion for health and environmental issues. She uses her
writings to spread awareness of such issues. All to encourage others to live the
greenest and healthiest life possible._

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
s=300&d=monsterid&r=g)

 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

 [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [  ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)