Vermiculite Insulation: A Cause for Concern?

Advisory Report - August 2003

Vermiculite Insulation: A Cause for Concern?

Vermiculite is a natural mineral that when heated expands into accordion-shaped, feather weight pieces of material usually tan-gold in color. In its pure form, vermiculite is clean, odorless, nontoxic and sterile. Vermiculite insulation is a loose-fill, pebble-looking material and is often a shade of light brown or gold. In recent months the EPA has had a dramatic increase of inquiries from homeowners concerned about the presence of vermiculite insulation in their homes, and its possible health effects. 

Vermiculite itself is not directly related to asbestos or known to contain asbestos. However, during the mining process sometimes asbestos deposits are disturbed and the two materials become mixed. It is difficult to tell if the vermiculite insulation in every attic is contaminated by asbestos. To further confuse the issue, the EPA states that there are many uncertainties with existing asbestos testing techniques.  Testing is currently not well defined and can often lead to inconclusive results.

So what's a home owner to do? According to the EPA, the presence of vermiculite should not be cause for needless anxiety but property owners should not disturb vermiculite insulation because disturbance has the potential to release asbestos fibers into the air. Homeowners should assume that any vermiculite insulation contains some level of asbestos. As such, EPA recommends that the material be left undisturbed. The EPA advises the following in connection with vermiculite insulation:

• Attic insulation should not be disturbed unless it is certain that it is not contaminated with asbestos.

• Homeowners should limit the number and length of trips to the attic. 

• Personal items should not be stored in the attic. If boxes or other stored items are already present in the attic, do not retrieve them unless necessary. If the items are removed from the attic, spray the item with a mist of water and wipe it down very thoroughly with a very damp cloth (removing any dust on the item; throw the cloth away immediately after). Do not return the item to the attic to prevent further disturbance of the insulation or other dust.

• Children should not be allowed to play in an attic with open areas of vermiculite insulation.

• If renovations are made to the house that will affect the attic, the services of an asbestos abatement contractor should be retained for professional handling of the material. Professional contractors accustomed to attic repairs and renovations also often handle asbestos abatement in attics.

• Because insulation can sift through cracks in ceilings or around light fixtures or ceiling fans, such cracks or openings should be sealed.

Given that testing methods are as yet relatively undeveloped, the EPA strongly recommends that vermiculite insulation be left undisturbed. EPA is initiating further studies on vermiculite attic insulation and pursuing other asbestos-related issues.

Click here for more information about Asbestos.

Click here for more information about vermiculite insulation from the EPA's Web site.

Click here to read a recent U.S. Inspect article about the health effects of asbestos exposure.

Contributed by Justin Gore
Quality Assurance Supervisor
U.S. Inspect, LLC

and

Marshall Hall
Territory Manager, Connecticut
U.S. Inspect, LLC