What it is
Vermiculite is a mica
like mineral mined around the world and used in variety of commercial and
consumer products because of its fire resistance and good insulating
properties.
What it problem
Some vermiculite
insulation may contain amphibole asbestos fibres. These can cause health risks
if disturbed during maintenance, renovation or demolition. The vermiculite of
concern is basically which is mined by the Libby mine in Montana from 1920 -
1990. It was sold as Zonolite attic insulation and possibly other brands.
Vermiculite from Libby mine may contain amphibole asbestos. Vermiculite
insulation from the Libby mine was not used widely after mid 1980 and were not
sold in Canada after 1990. Not all vermiculite insulation produced before 1990
contains asbestos. However, if the building is old and contains vermiculite
insulation than it should be tested in the lab for asbestos to be safe.
What can be Done
There is mostly no
danger or health risk if the insulation
is sealed behind wallboards and floorboards, isolated in an attic, or otherwise
kept from exposure to the interior environment. The overall percentage of
amphibole asbestos is very less in bulk vermiculite but they can increase the
material is disturbed.
If there is
vermiculite insulation in your attic take following precautions!
1. Avoid disturbing
Vermiculite insulation.
2. Don't allow
children to play in the attic and inform anyone working in the attic about vermiculite insulation.
3. do not use attic
for storage.
4. Avoid going and
moving in attic if required use walk on boards.
5. Use respirator
masks only and not dust masks.
6. If you decide to
remove the vermiculite insulation or remodel / renovate your house use
certified and qualified contractor trained in its removal only. Never try to
remove it yourself.
7. Seal all cracks and
holes in the ceilings of rooms below the insulation i.e apply caulking around
light fixtures and attic hatch to prevent insulation sifting through.
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