Vermiculite is a mica-like mineral mined around the world and used in a variety of commercial and consumer products because of it's insulating and fire-resistant properties. Of concern is vermiculite ore produced by the Libby Mine in Montana from 1924 into the late 1980's, the mine officially closed in 1990. During production it was packaged and sold as "Zonolite" Attic Insulation and many other brand names in the U.S. and Canada. The Libby Mine supplied the majority of the market in vermiculite ore with an estimated 16 billion plus pounds. Records show nearly all of the ore was contaminated, with some mine samples testing as high as 20% tremolite asbestos. The overall percentage of amphibole asbestos fibre contamination within this particular vermiculite may be higher. Airborne fibre increases if the material is disturbed during maintenance, renovation or demolition. Asbestos fibre poses health risks when fibres are present in the air that we breathe.
Vermiculite Fact: Based on a 1200 square foot residential attic space the removal of vermiculite and installation of new attic insulation may cost you between 7 and 12 thousand dollars, it pays to have an inspection done prior to "closing the deal" on a pre-1980's home or commercial property purchase.
If you suspect you have vermiculite insulation in your home do not disturb it!
Call AVID Environmental today at 226-600-2004 located in Kitchener, Ontario Canada
or email us at avidenvironmental@bell.net for an asbestos inspection today.
(We Provide Free Estimates and Expert Advice)