USEFUL RESOURCES

What Is Vermiculite Insulation?

Vermiculite insulation removal helps minimize the risk of asbestos-related illnesses. The only way to find out whether or not you have a problem is through professional vermiculite testing. It is not advisable to attempt this yourself as without the right training, equipment and safety gear, the risk of asbestos exposure is high.

What Is Vermiculite?

Vermiculite Insulation Removal TorontoVermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that is used in construction, insulation and gardening products.  It looks like shiny, small pieces of popcorn, and is usually light-brown or gold in color. By itself, vermiculite is not harmful. It became a health hazard when the ore came into contact with asbestos in the Libby mines in Montana (closed in 1990) which supplied many US cities and even Canada. Much of the ore from this mine was believed to have included a natural deposit of amphibole/tremolite asbestos. That’s when Health Canada raised the health alerts. Vermiculite is still mined and distributed for a number of uses, including insulation. Vermiculite mined today, however, is from a source considered to be free of asbestos contamination.

Where Will You Find Vermiculite In Your Home?

Much of the Libby vermiculite was used as attic insulation. It was sold under the product name Zonolite. Vermiculite in insulation is also a pebble-like, blown-in product and is usually light-brown or gold in color. Sizes of vermiculite products range from very fine particles to large (coarse) pieces which are nearly an inch long.

Why Is Vermiculite Insulation Removal Necessary?

Asbestos is a known carcinogen i.e. cancer-causing substance. When products containing asbestos are disturbed, the tiny fibres (of asbestos) get released into the air and may be breathed in. They can get trapped in the lungs and remain there for a long time causing individuals who have inhaled these fibres over prolonged periods to get very sick.

The health risks of asbestos:

  • Asbestosis - a scarring of the lungs that makes breathing difficult
  • Mesothelioma - an otherwise rare cancer of the lining of the chest or abdominal cavity
  • Lung cancer
  • Cancer of the larynx
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Studies have also shown that asbestos can cause cancer of the pharynx and stomach.

If your home is more than 20 years old, chances are that you have insulation that has been contaminated by asbestos and needs removal. Asbestos fibres are invisible to the eye and can only be professionally detected.  You will need asbestos testing done in order to determine whether or not you need to hire a vermiculite insulation removal service.

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

Call Asbestos Environmental Of Canada today at 416-985-5025 to discuss vermiculite
insulation removal.

Copyright © 2017-2020 - Asbestos Environmental of Canada

Payment Modes

Web Design by Avenue Road Advertising & WSI Comandix