Vermiculite Asbestos Attic Insulation

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.

Vermiculite asbestos attic insulation.

Vermiculite in and of itself is not dangerous. When heated to a high temperature flakes of vermiculite expand as much as 8 30 times their original size. However some vermiculite insulation contained asbestos fibres which can cause problems if inhaled. Vermiculite attic insulation is a pebble like pour in product and is usually light brown gray or gold in color.

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. Once vermiculite is disturbed millions of asbestos fibers become airborne. 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. One common brand was called zonolite.

You can also check for markings on the material or its packaging. Up to 85 percent of all vermiculite insulation in the u s. Vermiculite insulation removal costs. It may have shiny flakes and or small accordion like pieces see photos above.

However the vermiculite used in about 70 percent of the zonolite product came from the montana mine mentioned a moment ago. Vermiculite itself has not been shown to be a health problem. Vermiculite loose fill insulation is one of the most common household materials that contains asbestos. The asbestos found in vermiculite is extremely friable and is the most dangerous type amphibole of asbestos.

Most specialists encourage abatement. Installing new insulation costs an average of 1 400. If your home was built before 1990 you might have vermiculite insulation in your walls or attic. That s good news because most zonolite a type of vermiculite insulation falls into that category.

What made the libby vermiculite so dangerous was its proximity to asbestos deposits. Vermiculite attic insulation removal costs anywhere from 4 to 10 per square foot. Vermiculite is utilized for attic insulation as well as other purposes. The vermiculite from libby is part of the longest man made environmental disaster in american history.

It is made from a natural mineral material that is mined from the earth. It was mined there for more than 50 years ending in 1990. The insulation which was known by the brand name zonolite is most often found in residential attics. Came from a mine in libby montana sold under the name zonolite.

Not all vermiculite contains asbestos.