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Vermiculite is a mineral ore that may contain asbestos. Vermiculite does not necessarily contain asbestos but some vermiculite has been found to contain more than trace amounts. When subjected to heat, vermiculite expands into fluffy worm-like pieces (the name vermiculite is derived from the Latin vermiculare "to breed worms"). The increase in the bulk volume of commercial grades of the ore is from 8 to 12 times the initial volume, but individual flakes may expand to 30 times the initial volume. Expanded vermiculite is fire resistant, chemical resistant, and highly absorbent. Vermiculite has been used in various industries for over 80 years. It is used in the construction, agricultural, horticultural and industrial markets. The main use of interest to homeowners is as thermal insulation in attics. The ability of vermiculite to absorb large amounts of water also make it useful garden and potting soil additive.
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Do not disturb it! Any disturbance has the potential to release asbestos fibers into the air. Limiting the number of trips you make to your attic and shortening the length of those trips can help limit your potential exposure. Asbestos experts advise that:
You should not disturb vermiculite insulation in your attic. Assume that all vermiculite insulation contains asbestos because of the uncertainties related to current testing techniques.
You should not store boxes or other items in your attic if retrieving the material will disturb the insulation.
Children should not be allowed to play in an attic with open areas of vermiculite insulation.
If you plan to remodel or conduct renovations that would disturb the vermiculite, hire professionals trained and certified to handle asbestos to safely remove the material.
You should never attempt to remove the insulation yourself. Hire professionals trained and certified to safely remove the material.
If it is necessary that you go into an attic where vermiculite insulation is present, experts recommend the following:
Make every effort to stay on the floored part of your attic and do not disturb the insulation.
If you must perform activities that may disturb the attic insulation such as moving boxes (or other materials), do so as gently as possible to minimize the disturbance.
Leave the attic immediately after the disturbance.
If you need work done in your attic such as the installation of cable or utility lines, hire trained and certified professionals who can safely do the work.
It is possible that vermiculite attic insulation can sift through cracks in the ceiling, around light fixtures, or around ceiling fans. You can prevent this by sealing any cracks and holes that insulation could pass through.
Common dust masks are not effective against asbestos fibers.
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