When you start a renovation or demolition project in Schaumburg, Illinois, there’s a chance that you’ll find some insulation material at some point. If you own an older building that contains asbestos insulation, you’ll want to deal with it immediately due to its dangerous nature. However, if your building contains cellulose insulation, you may be in the clear.

Are you wondering how to tell whether your building contains cellulose or asbestos insulation? This asbestos removal contractor in Schaumburg, Illinois is going to discuss some of the key things you should know below.

What are cellulose and asbestos?

Asbestos and cellulose are materials that are both effective at insulating buildings, but they differ in many ways.

Asbestos is a natural mineral that was widely used in the past because of its excellent soundproofing, fire-resistance, and thermal properties. But asbestos is made of tiny fibers you can’t see with your eyes. And because you can’t see them, you might not even know they are there. This is a problem because these tiny fibers can pose health risks if they get into the air.

On the other hand, cellulose insulation is made from recycled materials like newspapers, cardboard, and sometimes straw. It is mixed with boric acid and some other chemicals to make it safe to use in buildings. These chemicals make cellulose insulation resistant to fire and pests. Since it uses materials that would otherwise be waste, cellulose insulation is a more environmentally friendly choice.

What are the dangers of asbestos?

Asbestos can be very harmful to people’s health. When asbestos gets old or disturbed, its tiny fibers can get released into the air. These fibers are almost invisible to the eye, and can be inhaled without even realizing it.

When these fibers enter the lungs, they can cause inflammation and scarring. This can cause breathing difficulties, and it can even lead to severe diseases like asbestosis and cancer (including a very aggressive type known as mesothelioma).

Another reason why asbestos is dangerous is that the diseases it causes can take a long time to manifest. Someone might breathe in asbestos fibers and not feel sick for many years. This delay makes asbestos even more dangerous because people might not even know they have been exposed until they start showing symptoms of the disease down the road.

How can you tell the difference?

Telling the difference between asbestos and cellulose insulation is difficult because they can look very similar, especially if they are loose-fill or sprayed on. However, there are ways for an asbestos removal contractor in Schaumburg, Illinois to tell them apart.

Cellulose insulation is made from recycled materials like newspapers and cardboard. So, if you look closely at the insulation and see bits of paper with some color or printed text, it is likely cellulose. But sometimes, cellulose insulation is processed to look like asbestos insulation in color. Both can be gray or brown, making it hard to tell them apart just by looking.

Seek expert advice when you are unsure

When you are not sure about the kind of insulation in your building, it’s best to avoid touching or disturbing it. Asbestos can be dangerous when its tiny fibers enter the air and your lungs. So, if you have any doubt, it’s best to schedule an inspection with a licensed asbestos removal contractor in Schaumburg, Illinois.

Professionals can take a small sample of the insulation without spreading those tiny and dangerous fibers into the air. They can then test the sample in a lab to see if it is asbestos or cellulose.

Looking for an Asbestos Removal Contractor in Schaumburg, Illinois?

Have you recently discovered insulation in your building that you’d like to have inspected? If so, and if you’re looking for the most trusted asbestos removal contactor in Schaumburg, Illinois, Axis Response Group is here to help. Our licensed inspectors can check your building for asbestos, and if we find it, we will handle its removal and disposal to ensure your building is safe and compliant. Contact us today at (773) 427-6811 to get started.