Property Management Professionals in the Carolinas : Association Management Group

Vermiculite

Protect Yourself from Vermiculite

For homes built before 1990, there's a possibility they contain vermiculite insulation (that it is contaminated with asbestos). There's no need to panic, but you should take a few steps to protect yourself and your family from exposure.

Between 1919 and 1990, more than 70 percent of the vermiculite sold in the U.S. came from a mine in Montana that was contaminated with asbestos, which can cause cancer and other diseases. The insulation was often sold under the brand name Zonolite.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says homeowners should assume that any vermiculite insulation is contaminated. Because disturbing insulation might release asbestos fibers into the air, the EPA recommends you leave it alone or call a trained professional if it needs to be removed.

The EPA also recommends that you:

Leave vermiculite insulation undisturbed in your attic or in your walls.
Do not store boxes or other items in your attic if it contains vermiculite insulation.
Do not allow children to play in an attic with vermiculite insulation.
Hire a professional asbestos contractor if you plan to remodel or conduct renovations that would disturb the vermiculite in your attic or walls.
If you need to go into your attic, make every effort to stay on the floored part and do not disturb the insulation.
Wear protective equipment if you go in the attic. Common dust masks do not protect you against asbestos fibers. You should at least wear an OSHA-approved respirator, appropriate protective clothing and eye protection.
If you must perform activities that may disturb the vermiculite insulation such as moving boxes (or other materials), do so as gently as possible.
Leave the attic immediately after any disturbance of vermiculite insulation.
Do not track vermiculite insulation or associated dust into the living spaces of your home.
If you need work done in your attic or walls that will disturb vermiculite insulation, such as installing cable or utility lines, hire trained and certified asbestos professionals who can do the work safely.

For more information about vermiculite, go to www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/verm.html.

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