Vermiculite Asbestos Attic Insulation

Of concern is zonolite attic insulation.

Vermiculite asbestos attic insulation.

However some vermiculite insulation contained asbestos fibres which can cause problems if inhaled. It was mined there for more than 50 years ending in 1990. The vermiculite from libby is part of the longest man made environmental disaster in american history. Vermiculite in and of itself is not dangerous.

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. It may have shiny flakes and or small accordion like pieces see photos above. 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. The insulation which was known by the brand name zonolite is most often found in residential attics.

Vermiculite is utilized for attic insulation as well as other purposes. You can also check for markings on the material or its packaging. When heated to a high temperature flakes of vermiculite expand as much as 8 30 times their original size. Vermiculite attic insulation is a pebble like pour in product and is usually light brown gray or gold in color.

The asbestos found in vermiculite is extremely friable and is the most dangerous type amphibole of asbestos. One common brand was called zonolite. Once vermiculite is disturbed millions of asbestos fibers become airborne. 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.

That s good news because most zonolite a type of vermiculite insulation falls into that category. 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.