Table of Contents
What is vermiculite insulation?
Vermiculite in insulation is a pebble-like, blown-in product and usually light-brown or gold in color. Sizes of vermiculite products range from very fine particles to large (coarse) pieces nearly an inch long. If you have vermiculite insulation in your attic, you should assume that the material may contain asbestos.
Can vermiculite be tested for asbestos?
LCS Laboratory Inc., offers fast and affordable testing of vermiculite for asbestos. The test is commonly used by home buyers, sellers, home inspectors, and safety consultants.
Should vermiculite be removed?
The EPA recommends that vermiculite insulation be left undisturbed. Airborne asbestos fibers present a health risk through inhalation, so the first step is to not disturb the material, which could release fibers into the air. If you disturb the insulation, you may inhale some asbestos fibers.
Does vermiculite ceilings contain asbestos?
Not all vermiculite contains asbestos. Only scientific testing will determine if the vermiculite contains asbestos. Vermiculite is a silver-gold to gray-brown mineral that isflat and shiny in its natural state. When heated to around 1000 degrees C, itpops (or puffs up) which creates pockets of air.
Is vermiculite in the attic dangerous?
But so much vermiculite has been tested and confirmed that it’s better to err on the side of caution. If there’s gray-brown pebbly insulation on the attic floor, it most likely contains enough asbestos to be a hazard to the people living there.
Is vermiculite insulation contaminated with asbestos?
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. Look at the photos on this website and then look at the insulation without disturbing it.
Is asbestos in attic insulation dangerous?
The crumbled texture of this attic insulation leaves asbestos exposed to anything that might disturb it. Because it’s not sealed, Zonolite asbestos might easily become friable or airborne. That’s when it’s a human health hazard.
What is extremevermiculite insulation?
Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that has the unusual property of expanding into worm-like accordion shaped pieces when heated. The expanded vermiculite is a light-weight, fire- resistant, absorbent, and odorless material. These properties allow vermiculite to be used to make numerous products, including attic insulation.