Vermiculite Asbestos Attic Insulation

However some vermiculite insulation contained asbestos fibres which can cause problems if inhaled.

Vermiculite asbestos attic insulation.

Vermiculite is utilized for attic insulation as well as other purposes. Consider this statement from research titled zonolite attic insulation exposure studies where even the suggested method for removal by the manufacturer grace created a very unsafe condition. You can also check for markings on the material or its packaging. Vermiculite attic insulation is a pebble like pour in product and is usually light brown gray or gold in color.

Installing new insulation costs an average of 1 400. Vermiculite insulation removal costs. The insulation which was known by the brand name zonolite is most often found in residential attics. It may have shiny flakes and or small accordion like pieces see photos above.

Up to 85 percent of all vermiculite insulation in the u s. Vermiculite loose fill insulation is one of the most common household materials that contains asbestos. Most specialists encourage abatement. Vermiculite attic insulation removal costs anywhere from 4 to 10 per square foot.

Vermiculite in and of itself is not dangerous. Vermiculite itself has not been shown to be a health problem. Not all vermiculite contains asbestos. Vermiculite insulation has a pebble like appearance and typically is a grayish brown or silvery gold color.

However the vermiculite used in about 70 percent of the zonolite product came from the montana mine mentioned a moment ago. It was mined there for more than 50 years ending in 1990. Once vermiculite is disturbed millions of asbestos fibers become airborne. Came from a mine in libby montana sold under the name zonolite.

The epa says that vermiculite insulation which is the pebbly stuff found in attics of many older homes is only risky if it contains more than one percent asbestos. If your home was built before 1990 you might have vermiculite insulation in your walls or attic. 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. It is made from a natural mineral material that is mined from the earth.

The asbestos found in vermiculite is extremely friable and is the most dangerous type amphibole of asbestos. One common brand was called zonolite. The expanded vermiculite is a light weight fire resistant and odorless material and has been used in numerous products including insulation for attics and walls. The vermiculite from libby is part of the longest man made environmental disaster in american history.

Vermiculite is a mineral that was used for insulation.