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.
Is vermiculite dangerous to breathe?
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.
How toxic is vermiculite?
Vermiculite itself is safe to use;
there is no evidence that any acute or chronic toxicity or carcinogenicity exists
from long-term exposure to vermiculite. … When the vermiculite was mined, some asbestos minerals contaminated the vermiculite.
Does vermiculite insulation contain asbestos?
Vermiculite and gardening use
An EPA study showed some vermiculite products
contain low levels of asbestos
. Asbestos is found primarily in the unmixed vermiculite product although some was found in pre-mixed potting soils. For consumers using vermiculite on an infrequent basis the health risk is low.
Is vermiculite in soil dangerous?
Vermiculite holds water, making more moisture available to the roots of plants grown in potting soil. Unfortunately,
vermiculite can also be dangerous
. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, some vermiculite is contaminated with a naturally occurring asbestos called tremolite-actinolite.
How can you tell if vermiculite has asbestos?
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
.
Should you remove vermiculite insulation?
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.
Is vermiculite a carcinogen?
The weight of evidence from data for human health effects and animal toxicity are Inadequate to characterize the carcinogenic potential of vermiculite. he
carcinogenicity classification
for vermiculite is D.
Can I remove vermiculite insulation yourself?
Do not attempt to remove the insulation yourself
. Hire a professional asbestos contractor if you plan to remodel or conduct renovations that would disturb the vermiculite in your attic or walls to make sure the material is safely handled and/or removed.
Is vermiculite safe for vegetable gardens?
The answer is
yes
! Vermiculite is a great way to start seeds with or without mixing with potting soil. Vermiculite is particularly good for a faster germination when starting seeds.
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.
How much exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma?
Out of all people with heavy, prolonged exposure to asbestos,
2% to 10%
develop pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of mesothelioma usually do not show until 20-50 years after asbestos exposure, which is when tumors have grown and spread.
Is vermiculite acidic or alkaline?
Vermiculite is a clay mineral. It has been treated at high temperatures and, similar to perlite, is lightweight, chemically inert, and sterile. Unlike perlite, it has a large CEC, but like perlite, its
pH is 7-7.5
.
Can you put vermiculite in compost?
Vermiculite is used in potting compost to obtain a very light open compost that holds more water and facilitates re-wetting, thereby lengthening the time between watering. … For improvement to existing compost,
add 20-25% by volume vermiculite and mix thoroughly
.
What does vermiculite do in potting soil?
Vermiculite
helps to aerate soil while simultaneously retaining water and nutrients
, which it then releases over time. Vermiculite is therefore useful in seed sowing and propagation. It can also be added to house plant compost.
What is the percentage of asbestos in vermiculite?
The asbestos present in vermiculite is not bound up like it typically is in a building material and therefore the risk is potentially greater, even at percentages well
below 1%
. Unfortunately the 1% rule still predominates and often times a Qualitative result will not suffice no matter how much sense it makes.
