How can I tell if my vermiculite insulation contains asbestos? The majority of all vermiculite insulation pro- duced before 1990 used contaminated vermicu- lite from Libby. Asbestos fibers in vermiculite are too small to be seen by the naked eye . Only a trained technician using a microscope can see asbestos fibers.
Can vermiculite be tested for asbestos?
Testing Vermiculite for Asbestos: Why the USGS’s New Method Could Be Critical for Public Health. In a breakthrough study, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) found a way to test for trace levels of asbestos in vermiculite insulation on-site , which marks a promising development in public health.
How do you identify vermiculite?
Identifying Insulation That is Made From Vermiculite
Vermiculite insulation is a pebble-like, pour-in product and is usually gray-brown or silver-gold in color.
Is vermiculite dust dangerous?
Based on available information, there is no clear evidence that dust from vermiculite itself causes any serious health effects . Nevertheless, as with any dust, workers should avoid prolonged, high-level exposures.
Where is vermiculite insulation found?
In the US almost all poured vermiculite insulation came from a mine in Libby Montana contaminated with varying amounts of actinolite or tremolite asbestos. This material was sold by W.R. Grace under the trade name Zonolite Attic Insulation (ZAI).
Does vermiculite for gardening contain asbestos?
Not all vermiculite garden products contain asbestos , but an EPA study showed that some contain low levels of asbestos. Asbestos was found primarily in the unmixed vermiculite product sold separately as a soil amendment. However, some was found in premixed potting soils.
Is it safe to buy a house with vermiculite insulation?
As we touched upon, the EPA agrees that vermiculite insulation containing less than one percent of asbestos is safe to be used within a home . This sort of vermiculite insulation typically comes in the form of Zonolite, a common form of insulation that appears as pebble-like substances.
Should vermiculite insulation be removed?
The EPA recommends that vermiculite insulation be left undisturbed . Airborne asbestos fibers present a health risk through inhalation, so the first step is to not disturb the material, which could release fibers into the air. If you disturb the insulation, you may inhale some asbestos fibers.
What are the dangers of vermiculite?
If vermiculite is disturbed, it could cause tiny, needle-like asbestos fibers to become airborne . Asbestos in the air can be inhaled and cause lung damage. If asbestos is not in the air, it is not dangerous to your lungs.
Are there different types of vermiculite?
It too is available in five different grades , which are based upon weight rather than particle size. Like crude vermiculite, exfoliated vermiculite comes in micron, superfine, fine, medium and large grades. The particular grade used depends upon soil needs and intended results.
Is vermiculite dangerous in gardening?
Bags of horticultural vermiculite produced from mines in the United States after 1990 are probably safe to use. But as with any fibrous material that creates dust when disturbed, you should always wear a mask, take the vermiculite outside before using it, and dampen it with water before mixing it into your soil.
Is perlite and vermiculite the same thing?
Vermiculite is a spongy material that is dark brown to golden brown in color. It is shaped like flakes when dry. Perlite is a porous pumice-like material that looks like white granules. Sometimes perlite is mistaken for tiny plastic foam balls when used in potting soil mixtures.
What does vermiculite do when it comes in contact with water?
The color of vermiculite is a golden brown to a dark brown and is a sometimes difficult to tell from the potting soil it’s mixed with. When water is added to vermiculite, the flakes expand into a worm-like shape and act like an absorbing sponge .
When did they stop using vermiculite insulation?
Vermiculite Mostly Found in Attics
It was mined there for more than 50 years, ending in 1990 . The insulation, which was known by the brand name Zonolite, is most often found in residential attics. What made the Libby vermiculite so dangerous was its proximity to asbestos deposits.
Is vermiculite insulation hard or soft?
Vermiculite is a “loose fill” insulation that looks like a mixture of small grade gravel nuggets, but is soft when squeezed , just like popcorn. The pieces can be a mix of gray, light brown, dark-brown, silver, or gold.
How do you dispose of vermiculite?
Call the local authorities on waste removal and/or toxic substances. Ask what their protocol is for the disposal of vermiculite and insulation laced with it. These local authorities may advise you to stay away from the insulation entirely, and to hire a professional to come and remove it.
