Health Risks of old insulation:

Old insulation can have mold and leak toxins which is called off gassing. The two most common toxins from insulation are formaldehyde and asbestos. The toxins don't just come from the insulation itself, pests inside the insulation can also carry toxins. Bat urine and dropping exposure may cause problems but can be avoided by following simple precautions such as:  wearing a dust mask when clearing droppings; and maintaining basic standards of hand hygiene. Rodents can carry a virus known as hantavirus. Hantavirus symptoms are stated below mold exposure symptoms.

Physical contact or inhalation of mold spores can cause symptoms similar to allergies such as:

- Runny nose and sinus congestion

- Irritation of the eyes

- Uncontrollable sneezing and coughing

- Sore throat

- Sudden rash formation

- Neuralgia

- Lung irritation and wheezing

Exposure to mold, for most individuals is not an emergency. However, if you believe you are experiencing symptoms of a mold related infection and you have a health-related condition such as Asthma or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), please contact your physician as soon as possible.

Hantavirus can be deadly; it is critical that you go see a physician if you think you may have it!  Symptoms of Hantavirus include:

- Fever and chills

- Muscle aches or pain

- Headache

- Nausea

- Stomach pain

- Vomiting

- Diarrhea

As the disease progresses it can lead to damaged lung tissues, fluid build-up in the lungs and serious problems with lung and heart function.  This can lead to cough, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and/or irregular heart rate.

Inhaling formaldehyde fumes can cause:

- Watery and/or burning eyes, nose and throat

- Skin irritation and rashes

- Nausea

- Coughing

- Chest tightness

- Upset stomach

- Trouble breathing

Breathing formaldehyde may cause an episode in people prone to asthma attacks. Individuals can become sensitive to formaldehyde. Formaldehyde causes cancer in animals, and it is believed to cause cancer in humans. Make sure you go see your doctor if you have been exposed!

Asbestosis signs and symptoms may include:

- Shortness of breath

- Dry and persistent cough

- Pain and/or tightness in the chest

- Dry and crackling noises in your lungs when you breath in or out

- Fingertips and toes may begin to look wider and rounder than usual, also known as clubbing

The effects of long-term exposure to asbestos typically don't show up until 10-40 years after initial exposure. Symptoms can vary in severity.