Vermiculite Asbestos Attic Insulation

Of concern is zonolite attic insulation.

Vermiculite asbestos attic insulation.

That s good news because most zonolite a type of vermiculite insulation falls into that category. 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. Once vermiculite is disturbed millions of asbestos fibers become airborne. However the vermiculite used in about 70 percent of the zonolite product came from the montana mine mentioned a moment ago.

This insulation was sold in canada under the name of zonolite and was extracted from the libby mine in montana usa. Vermiculite attic insulation is a pebble like pour in product and is usually light brown gray or gold in color. When heated to a high temperature flakes of vermiculite expand as much as 8 30 times their original size. Vermiculite is utilized for attic insulation as well as other purposes.

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. It was mined there for more than 50 years ending in 1990. 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. You can also check for markings on the material or its packaging.

It may have shiny flakes and or small accordion like pieces see photos above. 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. What made the libby vermiculite so dangerous was its proximity to asbestos deposits. One common brand was called zonolite.

The asbestos found in vermiculite is extremely friable and is the most dangerous type amphibole of asbestos. However some vermiculite insulation contained asbestos fibres which can cause problems if inhaled.