What is Vermiculite Insulation?
Vermiculite insulation was a type of attic insulation, often stuffed between
rafters and inside walls of houses. This particular type of insulation was made
from a volcanic mineral compound called vermiculite that originates from mines,
particularly in Libby, Montana, and other mines in the United States and the
world.
Vermiculite has an unusual property of expanding into worm-like accordion shaped
pieces when heated, becoming a lightweight, odorless, fire-resistant, and
absorbent material. This material was used to make a wide variety of products,
which included garden products, fireproofing, cement mixtures and more than a
dozen other consumer products.
Vermiculite was considered versatile, and was used in many construction,
agricultural, horticultural and industrial applications, among them insulation,
fire protection, sound deadening materials, insulating concrete, potting mixes,
paints, sealants, pesticides, brake pads and even nuclear waste disposal.
Precautions
1. Vermiculite insulation was found positive to contain asbestos after various
tests.
2. Boxes or other materials should not be stored in the attic, as there is
always the possibility of disturbing the insulation.
3. Children should be kept away from the attic at all times, especially if there
are open or exposed areas of the insulation.
4. If remodeling or renovation is required, trained professionals should be
hired to safely handle and remove the asbestos.
5. It is highly recommended for anyone not to remove the insulation by
themselves.
Harmful Effects of Asbestos
If products containing asbestos are disturbed, thin and lightweight asbestos
fibers will be released into the air, causing health problems when inhaled into
the lungs. Changes in the lungs will occur once exposed to asbestos, and could
take years to develop. This can eventually lead to serious ailments like
Mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the pleural and peritoneal cells, with tumors
appearing in the lungs or the abdomen. Another lung disease caused by inhaling
asbestos fibers is Asbestosis, which is a chronic ailment that varies from
person to person, usually involving slow progression rates with little changes
in five to ten or more years. |
