Vermiculite insulation is one of those materials, commonly found in the home in the Northwest, that can contain Asbestos—-depending on where it was mined. While the only way to know for sure is to have it tested, that is no longer the “current recommendation.”
According to the EPA: “Currently, there are specific technical issues involving vermiculite sampling that can complicate testing for the presence of asbestos fibers and interpreting the risk from exposure. EPA and ATSDR are not recommending at this time that homeowners have vermiculite attic insulation tested for asbestos. As testing techniques are refined, EPA and ATSDR will provide information to the public on the benefits of testing that produce more definitive and accurate test results.”
In my opinion it is best to assume that all vermiculite contains asbestos. I recommend following EPA recommendations at: EPA Vermiculite Recommendations regarding testing, disposal and personal protection regarding vermiculite insulation. When remodeling involves disturbing of these materials, professional removal is recommended. Having to remove these materials should be anticipated by anyone buying a house with vermiculite insulation.
Vermiculite is most commonly found in attics but was also used in walls. In is often hidden under layers of other types of insulation. Because it flows very easily, if there are holes from the attic into walls it can easily find its way from the attic to the crawl space, basement or even the living space.
While most documented cases of injury due to asbestos in vermiculite seems to involve workers, families of workers and people in close proximity to the mines, I think it is prudent to be careful with the stuff, and let only experienced professionals handle it. If you find this material in your home—-leave it alone—do not disturb it. This is one sleeping bear that should be left sleeping!
Hopefully, the EPA will have more meaningful guidelines for us all soon.
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Hi Charles. Fantastic information that you pass on here. We see many inspectors overlook properly identifying this hazardous material. As you stated in your blog, positively identifying the material as asbestos laden material can only be done by testing. It is for that reason at our company we use the language ” Asbestos like material further testing and evaluation by an expert is needed to determine asbestos content” But I’m with you let the sleeping bear SLEEP! Don’t disturb it If you can. Happy home inspections my friend. I will continue to read your incredibly informative blogs.
Thanks David
Wow! Did the govt ask anyone who test these things if they knew how or just assume that no one does? Vermiculite is very loose stuff and can end up anywhere.
Glenn, seems like they need to have some better testing protocols apparently
Charles,
I was in a 1954 home yesterday, the attic was insulated with a blown-in cellulose however there appeared to be small shiny flecks in the cellulose. Have you ever heard or seen asbestos in cellulose, as a fire retarding additive maybe? I did some searching on Google and have come up empty. I will FB you a picture.
Jim, nice to see you here—got any pictures? Typically by the time cellulose came on the market—asbestos was gone—and was rarely in shiny form when loose. Fire retardants added to cellulose were typically borates as a liquid so I don’t really know what you might be seeing—possibly something glossy in the paper that was hammered? Again—upload some pictures if you like—or send them to me privately.