What is Vermiculite?

Feb 12, 2014 | INSULATION / VENTILATION

 

This bag shows the name of the insulation ZONOLITE also known as Vermiculite that was used in many homes in the Midwest including Lloydminster. Most of this type of insulation in our area is know to contain some asbestos which can be harmful to Humans.
ASBESTOS TESTING IS ONE OF MANY ANCILLARY SERVICES OF BORDER INSPECTIONS – Call for more information.
Not all vermiculite insulation contains asbestos but prior to its close in 1990, much of the world’s supply of vermiculite came from a mine near Libby, Montana. This mine had a natural deposit of asbestos which resulted in the vermiculite being contaminated with asbestos. Attic insulation produced using vermiculite ore, particularly ore that originated from the Libby mine, may contain asbestos fibers. NACHI recommend that I assume vermiculite insulation contains asbestos and so should you. I strongly recommend that homeowners make every effort not to disturb vermiculite insulation in their attics. If you occasionally have to go into your attic, current best practices state you should:
  1. Make every effort to stay on the floored part of your attic and to not disturb the insulation.
  2. If you must perform activities that may disturb the attic insulation such as moving boxes (or other materials), do so as gently as possible to minimize the disturbance.
  3. Leave the attic immediately after the disturbance.
  4. If you need work done in your attic such as the installation of cable or utility lines, hire trained and certified professionals who can safely do the work.
  5. It is possible that vermiculite attic insulation can sift through cracks in the ceiling, around light fixtures, or around ceiling fans. You can prevent this by sealing the cracks and holes that insulation could pass through.
  6. Common dust masks are not effective against asbestos.
Another great website for more in-depth information on the causes of mesothelioma can be found at http://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/causes.php
or visit the main Asbestos web site go to www.asbestos.com.
Here you will find an article on Saskatchewan’s latest responce to Asbestos in Public buildings.
Visit Health Canada Website for more information. I will direct you to the Expedia website for their assessment on the issue rather then give my opinion.
Asbestos can cause MESOTHELIOMA. Click Here for an indepth study of MESOTHELIOMA