Vermiculite looks like shiny, small pieces of popcorn and is usually gold or light brown in color. The mineral is mined for several uses, including insulation.
Not all vermiculite products contain asbestos, but some do. An EPA study showed some vermiculite products contain low levels of asbestos. Asbestos is found primarily in the unmixed vermiculite product although some was found in pre-mixed potting soils.
If vermiculite is disturbed, it could cause tiny, needle-like asbestos fibers to become airborne. Asbestos in the air can be inhaled and cause lung damage. If asbestos is not in the air, it is not dangerous to your lungs.
Per the Minnesota Department of Health: ``What should I do if I have vermiculite attic insulation? Leave it alone. If vermiculite insulation is disturbed, it may release asbestos fibers into the air. At this point the safest and easiest option for intact insulation is to leave it alone.''
The vermiculite insulation removal is a complicated and risky job that should only be done by experienced professionals. Establishing containment and ventilation to stop the spread of asbestos fibers during the process of removing vermiculite insulation is the first step in the process.
Vermiculite installation may become damaged due to condensation, moisture, or other causes. These issues could lead to an increased presence of asbestos in the air, as the insulation may flake and become airborne.
It is against the law to dispose of friable asbestos waste (vermiculite is considered friable) in the regular waste stream in ANY state, even by the homeowner. You can go to your local landfill and get asbestos waste bags and labels from them.
Based on available information, there is no clear evidence that dust from vermiculite itself causes any serious health effects.
EPA's investigation (https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/protect-your-family-asbestos-contaminated-vermiculite-insulation) into these products indicates that consumers face only a minimal health risk from using vermiculite products at home or in their gardens.
Leave the attic immediately after the disturbance. insulation, such as the installation of cable or utility lines, hire trained and certified asbestos professionals who can safely do the work.
The asbestos fibers irritate and scar lung tissue, causing the lungs to become stiff. This makes it difficult to breathe. As asbestosis progresses, more and more lung tissue becomes scarred. Eventually, your lung tissue becomes so stiff that it can't contract and expand normally.
Brown insulation typically refers to cellulose insulation, which is an environmentally friendly option, made from recycled paper products, treated for fire resistance, and dyed brown for identification. It is often used in loose-fill insulation and has a highest R-value.
It was later discovered that much of this vermiculite also contained asbestos fibers. Inhalation of asbestos has been associated with several deadly illnesses, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. It was not until 1978 that the United States started to ban the sale of insulation containing asbestos.
Vactagon drum top vacuums can be used to safely handle vermiculite and insulation removal with the utilization of our cyclone separator system.
Asbestos insulation comes in many forms and can look loose, lumpy, and fluffy like wool or hardened like corrugated cardboard or pebbly, and has a gray, gray-brown, or silvery gold color.
If you have vermiculite insulation in your home, you should assume this material may be contaminated with asbestos and be aware of steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from exposure to asbestos. The EPA recommends that vermiculite insulation be left undisturbed.
The EPA states that if your home contains vermiculite insulation, you should assume that it was exposed to asbestos, and you should not move or disturb it in any way.
Identifying Insulation That is Made From Vermiculite
Vermiculite insulation is a pebble-like, pour-in product and is usually gray-brown or silver-gold in color.
What about vermiculite? Federal law does not require the seller to disclose to a buyer that their home contains asbestos or vermiculite. State or local requirements may require disclosure. Contact your state about such requirements.
While not all vermiculite produced before 1990 contains asbestos fibres, it is reasonable to assume that if a building has older vermiculite-based insulation, it may contain some asbestos.
Place the bag inside another plastic bag and set it out for pickup or take it to a licensed landfill. Returning the asbestos to the soil is both safe and inexpensive. For more information on vermiculite and asbestos, visit the Environmental Protection Agency's Web site at www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/insulation.html.
Vermiculite is a non-toxic mineral that will not deteriorate in your soil, so its effects last for a long time. Since it does not break down, it is not useful as a source of nutrients.
Drawbacks of vermiculite
Although vermiculite does help to aerate soil and improve drainage, perlite and biochar do this even better! It can make soils too soggy. Some plants love moist soil, but other plants can develop root rot if they're kept in damp conditions.
How to use vermiculite. Vermiculite helps to aerate soil while simultaneously retaining water and nutrients, which it then releases over time. Vermiculite is therefore useful in seed sowing and propagation. It can also be added to house plant compost.