Is asbestos present in insulation wool?

Good morning. We are currently renovating our house and under a drywall ceiling an insulation from around 1972 was revealed. We fear that it might possibly contain asbestos. We know that we could send a sample for testing. But we wanted to ask here first.

The grayish color matches processed asbestos. I would definitely have it tested because of the color.

P.S. Even if it’s not asbestos, only approach it with proper equipment. Because the old insulation works just like asbestos – with long fibers that lodge in the lungs and can cause cancer.

P.P.S. Actually, then there’s not much difference anymore compared to asbestos-containing insulation :rolleyes:.

So-called KMF with WHO fibers (lung-penetrable fibers) were used until 1996 and can no longer be distinguished from asbestos fibers in terms of occupational safety and disposal. Therefore, the material should actually only be removed by a specialist company with the prescribed protective equipment.

Of course, one can send a sample to the laboratory, but the result is almost certain.

Personally, I would not do anything with the material from the inside. Simply cover it well again, if necessary with a vapor barrier. The removal and disposal should be done at a later date when the roof is addressed from the outside.

The roof was retiled in 2006. New insulation was simply laid on top of the old, as can be seen in the close-up. And simply leaving it like that is, in my opinion, maybe not a good idea, since the insulation already shows damp spots on about 60% of the entire area and is partially rotten (but dry). However, I am not a professional.

Close up and if there is [Feuchteschäden], then put money into it and have it done. If there are no [Feuchteschäden], just close up and have it done at the next opportunity.