Vermiculite Asbestos Attic Insulation

That s good news because most zonolite a type of vermiculite insulation falls into that category.

Vermiculite asbestos attic insulation.

Vermiculite is utilized for attic insulation as well as other purposes. The asbestos found in vermiculite is extremely friable and is the most dangerous type amphibole of asbestos. When heated to a high temperature flakes of vermiculite expand as much as 8 30 times their original size. What made the libby vermiculite so dangerous was its proximity to asbestos deposits.

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. 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. 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. 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. The vermiculite from libby is part of the longest man made environmental disaster in american history.

However some vermiculite insulation contained asbestos fibres which can cause problems if inhaled. It may have shiny flakes and or small accordion like pieces see photos above. 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. This insulation was sold in canada under the name of zonolite and was extracted from the libby mine in montana usa.

Vermiculite in and of itself is not dangerous. Of concern is zonolite attic insulation.