Household vermiculite removal becomes necessary if the insulation contains amphibole asbestos fibres which can be released into the air and breathed in by you. This can happen during home and building maintenance, renovation or demolition. Asbestos in vermiculite is not perceived to pose a problem if the insulation is sealed behind wallboards and floorboards, isolated in an attic, or otherwise kept from exposure to the interior environment. The only way to determine if you have a problem is to get the insulation tested.

What Is Vermiculite?

Vermiculite is a mica-like mineral which is used in various commercial and consumer products, e.g. insulation for homes and commercial buildings. The problem arose when some of the vermiculite ore produced by the Libby Mine in Montana from the 1920s to 1990 was believed to contain amphibole asbestos. (It was sold as Zonolite® Attic Insulation and possibly other brands in Canada during that time.) As a result, Health Canada and the EPA issued warnings about its health risks.

Why Is Asbestos Vermiculite A Problem?

When the tiny asbestos fibres are disturbed and released into the air they can be breathed in by you and remain in your lungs for a very long time. Asbestos is a known carcinogen (cancer causing substance) and prolonged exposure to huge quantities has been linked to serious ailments like Asbestosis (scarring of the thin membranes lining the lung and chest), Mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the chest or abdominal cavity) and lung cancer.

How To Go About Vermiculite Removal?

Not all vermiculite produced before 1990 contains amphibole asbestos fibres. According to Health Canada however, it is reasonable to assume that if your building has older vermiculite-based insulation, it may contain some amphibole asbestos. The only way to determine whether you need to schedule vermiculite removal is by having it tested for asbestos content and possibility of exposure.

Never try to test the vermiculite insulation yourself. Without the proper training, equipment and safety gear you are risking unnecessary exposure. Get an established vermiculite removal company with certified inspectors to do the job.

Asbestos Environmental Of Canada (AEOC) has certified inspectors and technicians to ensure that the vermiculite removal is quick and safe. We have all the latest equipment and use proven asbestos remediation techniques to help deal with your problem permanently.

Call Asbestos Environmental Of Canada today at 416-985-5025 for quick and safe vermiculite removal.