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How do you tell the difference between cellulose and asbestos insulation?

Our home was built in the 1970s and we were thinking about doing some renovations on our upstairs level. Well, we opened up a wall, and looking at the insulation, I’m worried about what kind it is. How do you tell the difference between cellulose and asbestos insulation?

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Melanie Mergen · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Asbestos and cellulose insulation can look pretty similar, so I can see why you’re concerned about this, especially considering when your home was built. The best way to tell the difference between cellulose and asbestos insulation is to consult a certified asbestos abatement professional.
While asbestos was widely used in the past for its insulation and flame resistant properties, exposure can cause cancer, so don’t touch the insulation yourself while you’re trying to figure out what it is.
Cellulose is often used as an asbestos alternative and can contain varying types of materials, from newspaper to straw to cardboard.
Until you have a contractor inspect your insulation, you’ll want to avoid that room to reduce your chances of exposure. Once a licensed professional visits, they’ll be able to collect a sample for testing, and you can arrange for any necessary asbestos removal.
Depending on the severity, asbestos removal can be costly. If anything unexpected happened to your home in the meantime, being covered by the right insurance policy could protect you from added financial strain at a stressful time.
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