Is There Asbestos In Vermiculite Insulation

Extracted from the mine between 1920 and 1990 this vermiculite insulation was sold mainly but not exclusively under the trademark zonolite attic insulation.

Is there asbestos in vermiculite insulation.

It is made from a natural mineral material that is mined from the earth. Concerns about asbestos contaminated vermiculite insulation a mine near libby montana was the source of over 70 percent of all vermiculite sold in the united states from 1919 to 1990. Vermiculite attic insulation is a pebble like pour in product and is usually light brown gray or gold in color. Other common uses are as thermal and sound insulation construction material insulation material and for lightweight absorbent packaging material.

You can be exposed to asbestos by disturbing building insulation or other products with asbestos containing vermiculite. Vermiculite loose fill insulation is one of the most common household materials that contains asbestos. New tools for home inspectors in 2018 the united states geological survey usgs announced the development of a new tool for home inspectors hoping to identify dangerous vermiculite. There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure.

How do i know if there is vermiculite insulation in my home. The insulation which was known by the brand name zonolite is most often found in residential attics. It was mined there for more than 50 years ending in 1990. However some vermiculite insulation contained asbestos fibres which can cause problems if inhaled.

As long as the asbestos is not released into the air it is not harmful. Vermiculite insulation product from the libby mine in montana is known to contain high levels of amphibolic asbestos. As long as this kind of vermiculite based insulation remains undisturbed behind intact walls or in attic spaces and does not become airborne it should not be a concern. There was also a deposit of asbestos at that mine so the vermiculite from libby was contaminated with asbestos.

Where does the asbestos come from and why is it a health concern. Vermiculite ores often contain a range of other minerals including in some cases asbestos. What made the libby vermiculite so dangerous was its proximity to asbestos deposits. Once vermiculite is disturbed millions of asbestos fibers become airborne.

The vermiculite from libby is part of the longest man made environmental disaster in american history. If it is not being disturbed there is very little exposure and very little danger. Vermiculite insulation has a pebble like appearance and typically is a grayish brown or silvery gold color. If there s gray brown pebbly insulation on the attic floor it most likely contains enough asbestos to be a hazard to the people living there.

The asbestos found in vermiculite is extremely friable and is the most dangerous type amphibole of asbestos. Consider this statement from research titled zonolite attic insulation exposure studies where even the suggested method for removal by the manufacturer.