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.

It was mined there for more than 50 years ending in 1990. Once vermiculite is disturbed millions of asbestos fibers become airborne. 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.

The insulation which was known by the brand name zonolite is most often found in residential attics. When heated to a high temperature flakes of vermiculite expand as much as 8 30 times their original size. However the vermiculite used in about 70 percent of the zonolite product came from the montana mine mentioned a moment ago. 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 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. The vermiculite from libby is part of the longest man made environmental disaster in american history. What made the libby vermiculite so dangerous was its proximity to asbestos deposits.

One common brand was called zonolite. Vermiculite in and of itself is not dangerous. That s good news because most zonolite a type of vermiculite insulation falls into that category. It may have shiny flakes and or small accordion like pieces see photos above.

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 asbestos found in vermiculite is extremely friable and is the most dangerous type amphibole of asbestos.