Do you have vermiculite insulation in your home? Your family’s health could be at risk. Most vermiculite contains asbestos, and vermiculite exposure can have the same health risks as asbestos exposure.
Keep reading to learn about the dangers of vermiculite and asbestos insulation, and how RidAway can help protect your home with professional vermiculite removal.
Almost All Vermiculite Insulation Contains Asbestos
Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that acts as a lightweight, fire-resistant, and odorless insulating material. From around 1920 to 1990, vermiculite was used in many construction projects, most commonly as insulation in attics and walls. On its own, vermiculite is a safe and effective insulator. The problem with vermiculite insulation is that it almost always contains asbestos.
Until 1990, virtually all of the vermiculite insulation sold in the United States came from a mine in Libby, Montana. Unfortunately, this particular mine contained a deposit of asbestos, which contaminated most of the vermiculite that was extracted from it. Before it was closed in 1990, vermiculite from the Libby mine was installed in millions of homes and buildings. To protect families from the dangers of vermiculite contaminated with asbestos, the EPA recommends acting under the assumption that all vermiculite contains asbestos.Vermiculite Is Harmful and Can Make Your Family Sick
Undisturbed vermiculite and asbestos insulation do not pose an immediate threat to your health. But when the material is disturbed, fibers become airborne. Once the particles are in the air, you and your family can breathe them in. Exposure to asbestos and vermiculite insulation can lead to:
Lung disease
Lung cancer
Asbestosis
Mesothelioma
Vermiculite Insulation Removal Is Best Left to a Professional
Vermiculite insulation looks like loose gravel or small pebbles and is fairly easy to identify. If you believe there is vermiculite insulation in your home, don’t touch it! Even the smallest movement can send asbestos particles into your air. Instead, stay out of the affected area and call RidAway for vermiculite removal in Massachusetts. Our technicians are specially trained to handle hazardous insulation materials, and we are a licensed vermiculite and asbestos removal contractor.
There are a few different methods for asbestos and vermiculite removal from an attic, walls, or anywhere else in your home. RidAway will assess your home and recommend the right solution based on your situation. Sometimes, vermiculite insulation can be sealed to prevent fibers from becoming airborne. Oftentimes, however, the insulation needs to be removed and replaced. If so, you could potentially save up to 75-100% of insulation upgrades. We’ll help you make the right decision for your home.