Sage-Tips

Is all vermiculite the same?

Although it’s a common misconception, vermiculite and perlite are not the same. Vermiculite is a silicate material that’s brown or beige in color and has a soft, sponge-like texture. Perlite is harder, is white in color, and is made out of mined volcanic rock.

Is vermiculite dangerous?

Vermiculite itself has not been shown to be a health problem. However, some vermiculite insulation contained asbestos fibres, which can cause problems if inhaled. However, if you believe that your home may contain vermiculite insulation, it is reasonable to assume that it may be contaminated with asbestos.

Does horticultural vermiculite contain asbestos?

Vermiculite and gardening use 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.

When did vermiculite stop containing asbestos?

1990
Vermiculite was mined in Libby, Montana, from the 1920s until the mine closed in 1990.

Should I worry about asbestos when buying a house?

The bottom line is this: home buyers should be aware of asbestos in the homes they are thinking about buying, but they should not pass on a house because it contains asbestos products. As long as the asbestos is not damaged or is handled by a professional, you should not have to worry about toxic asbestos exposure.

What kind of asbestos is in vermiculite?

tremolite-actinolite
Vermiculite has been used in building insulation, potting soil and fertilizer. Unfortunately, the vermiculite from the Libby mine contained a type of naturally-occurring asbestos called tremolite-actinolite.

Can vermiculite be asbestos free?

Photographs of vermiculite can be found in the US EPA document link below. Vermiculite is not asbestos (and vermiculite sold today does not contain asbestos) but some vermiculite deposits were contaminated with asbestos.

Is vermiculite safe to use in gardening?

Bags of horticultural vermiculite produced from mines in the United States after 1990 are probably safe to use. But as with any fibrous material that creates dust when disturbed, you should always wear a mask, take the vermiculite outside before using it, and dampen it with water before mixing it into your soil.

How do you remove vermiculite from a ceiling?

To easily remove the texture you’ll need to soften the area by spraying warm water to break down the adhesive bonds in the finish. We’d recommend using a spray bottle and tackling the surface one area at a time.