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Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that is mined and processed for insulation and gardening. Processed vermiculite is lightweight, fire-resistant, absorbent, and odorless. These properties allow vermiculite to be used to make numerous products, including attic insulation. Vermiculite products range from very fine particles to large (coarse) pieces nearly an inch long. Vermiculite attic insulation is a pebble-like, pour-in product and is usually gray, light brown, or gold in color.
The primary concern is that some vermiculite has been mixed with asbestos. Before 1990, when the Montana-based Libbie mine closed, some contaminated vermiculite was sold. The Libbie mine had a natural deposit of asbestos, contaminated the vermiculite that was mined there.
Today, some vermiculite comes from other countries, but there are still three U.S. - based mines. Any asbestos contamination is now controlled in the finishing process. In the home inspection business, vermiculite is found in loose-fill insulation in attics. It is
important for a homeowner to be aware of the presence of vermiculite in the home. Due to the uncertainties with existing testing techniques, it is best to assume that vermiculite may contain asbestos. Inhaling asbestos fibers can be a health hazard; disturbing insulation that has asbestos in it will send theses fibers airborne.
If you are told that you have vermiculite insulation in your house, take these precautions:
¸ Do not disturb the insulation.
¸ Do not allow children to go into the attic space.
¸ If remodeling plans include disturbing the insulation, consult a professional to handle or remove the insulation.
¸ Limit storage in the attic.
¸ Seal cracks or holes in the ceiling that the insulation can pass through, including around ceiling fans and light fixtures.
¸ Use a special face mask when working around vermiculite.
Common dust masks are not effective against asbestos.
For additional information contact:
¸ EPA Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Assistance Information Service: Asbestos
Line: 1-800-471-7127
¸ EPA Asbestos Home Page: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/
¸ Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR): http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov
¸ National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH):
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html
¸ Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): http://www.cpsc.gov
