Sage-Tips

How do you sample vermiculite for asbestos?

Carefully scoop the insulation into the container, taking small samples of the insulation from different areas of the attic, if possible. (If collecting multiple samples, each sample should have small scoops from different areas of the attic. Do not submit more than 4 oz. of vermiculite per sample).

How long does it take to get vermiculite tested?

Three samples per location are recommended and is the minimum number required in Ontario to conclude a material is not an asbestos-containing material. Regular turnaround is 5 business days.

How do you identify vermiculite?

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.

Is it safe to use vermiculite?

Vermiculite itself is safe to use; there is no evidence that any acute or chronic toxicity or carcinogenicity exists from long-term exposure to vermiculite. When the vermiculite was mined, some asbestos minerals contaminated the vermiculite. These asbestos minerals are called Libby Amphibole Asbestos (LAA).

Is vermiculite safe for gardening?

Is vermiculite safe for gardening? As a naturally occurring mineral, vermiculite is very safe to use. Rumors to the contrary that you may have heard are linked to one mine, which is now closed, which produced vermiculite tainted with asbestos fibers. Vermiculite currently on the market does not contain asbestos.

Can you sell a home with vermiculite?

If the home you are buying or selling contains vermiculite insulation it will and should come into play during the sale process. Vermiculite insulation is considered an environmental hazard and is in the same category as an oil tank in the ground.

How do you get rid of vermiculite?

The vast majority of tests come back having less than 1 percent asbestos. That means no asbestos abatement contractors get involved, and removal of the vermiculite insulation is done with essentially a giant vacuum. The risk of airborne particles in this method is high.

What type of asbestos is in vermiculite?

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.

Is vermiculite safe in gardens?

Should I buy a house with vermiculite insulation?

The short answer is, buying a house with vermiculite insulation is NOT recommended without going through proper testing process. Vermiculite insulation can be harmful when proper precautions are not followed.

Does vermiculite contain asbestos?

Pure vermiculite does not contain asbestos and is non-toxic. Impure vermiculite may contain, apart from asbestos, also minor diopside or remnants of the precursor minerals biotite or phlogopite.

Does your vermiculite insulation contain asbestos?

However, some vermiculite insulation contained asbestos fibres, which can cause problems if inhaled. 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.

Is vermiculite insulation dangerous?

Asbestos exposure may lead to a cancer of the protective tissues surrounding various internal organs. Asbestosis may result in severe inflammation and scarring of lung tissue. Vermiculite insulation may contain asbestos, which has been linked to a rare cancer called mesothelioma . Smoking increases the risks for developing asbestos-related diseases.