Got Vermiculite?

Vermiculite insulation has been a hot topic lately.  So what is vermiculate, do you have it in your building and, most importantly, is it asbestos containing?

Vermiculite is a naturally-occurring mineral composed of shiny flakes, resembling mica. When heated to a high temperature, flakes of vermiculite expand as much as 8-30 times their original size. The expanded vermiculite is a light-weight, fire-resistant, and odorless material used in numerous products, including insulation for attics and walls. Sizes of vermiculite products range from very fine particles to large (coarse) pieces nearly an inch long.

Over 70 percent of all vermiculite sold in the United States from 1919 to 1990 originated in a mine near Libby, Montana. Unfortunately, this mine was also in a formation that included deposits of asbestos which contaminated the vermiculite. The vermiculite was sold under the brand name Zonalite and comprised the majority of the vermiculite insulation sold in the United States.

According to the EPA, if you have vermiculite insulation in your home or building, you should assumed that contains asbestos. Of course you should also be aware of steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from exposure to asbestos.

Where is it usually found?

• Walls and attics in homes
• Block walls in commercial buildings
• Interior walls in schools
  
• Expansion joints in pre-cast concrete buildings
  

Can I test it?

This is where the problem starts. Most regulatory agencies agree that the asbestos is not accurately quantified by Standard PLM analysis since it is not uniformly distributed in the insulation, often resulting in a false negative.  Therefore, a result of none detected or < 1 % by PLM does not assure that the material is “safe”.

However, the EPA does state “If standard PLM analysis, ensuring that bulk samples comply with sampling requirements as laid out in 40 CFR part 763.86 and that subsequent analysis of such samples complies with analysis requirements set forth in 40 CFR part 763.87, concludes that a material contains less than 1 percent asbestos, then it is not ACM. “

Unless, of course, you’re in North Dakota where the Department of Environmental Quality (formerly the Department of Health) recently released a memo stating:

“The Department will not accept current testing methods that may classify vermiculite as non-ACM.”

So, if you are in North Dakota, assume that all vermiculite is asbestos-containing.  A copy of the memo is available HERE.

Is there any good news?

Well, a little.  If you’re a homeowner and you want to remove your vermiculite you could request financial assistance from The Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust.  The trust will analyze your vermiculite and, if it meets their criteria, will reimburse you for 55% of the abatement costs (by a licensed asbestos contractor) up to a maximum reimbursement amount of $4,203.37.