Vermiculite
Air Quality testing on request
What we do..?
We specialize in Attic Cleaning and the safe removal of all insulation / debris as well as Vermiculite (asbestos) on residential attics anywhere in Alberta, BC and Sask.
Our Processing Rate for Cellulose: 6042 lbs./hr. Fiberglass: 4199 lbs./hr.
We also dispose of all removed insulation to an approved landfill after each attic we clean. If you feel there is a concern for any airborne particles , then check out our
Vermiculite is a mica-like mineral mined around the world and used in a variety of commercial and consumer products because it is fire-resistant and has good insulation qualities. Of concern is vermiculite ore produced by the Libby Mine in Montana from the 1920's to 1990. It was sold as Zonolite® Attic Insulation and possibly other brands in Canada during that time. Vermiculite from the Libby Mine may contain amphibole asbestos. The Libby Mine supplied the majority of the world market in vermiculite-based insulation.
Photo (left) courtesy of EPA
Products made from vermiculite ore produced by the Libby Mine were not widely used after the mid-1980's and have not been on the market in Canada since 1990. Not all vermiculite produced before 1990 contains amphibole asbestos fibres. However, to be safe and in the absence of evidence to the contrary, it is reasonable to assume that if your building has older vermiculite-based insulation, it may contain some amphibole asbestos.
Photo (left) courtesy of EPA
Products made from vermiculite ore produced by the Libby Mine were not widely used after the mid-
Background..?
Some vermiculite insulation may contain amphibole asbestos fibres. These products can cause health risks if disturbed during maintenance, renovation or demolition. However, there is currently no evidence of risk to your health if the insulation is sealed behind wallboards and floorboards, isolated in an attic, or otherwise kept from exposure to the interior environment.
Although the overall percentages of amphibole asbestos in bulk vermiculite are very low, the airborne percentages can increase if the material is disturbed. Asbestos poses health risks only when fibres are present in the air that people breathe. If asbestos fibres are enclosed or tightly bound in a product, for example in asbestos siding or asbestos floor tiles, there are no significant health risks. How exposure to asbestos can affect you depends on:
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the concentration of asbestos fibres in the air;
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how long the exposure lasted;
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how often you were exposed;
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the size of the asbestos fibres inhaled; and
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the amount of time since the initial exposure.
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When inhaled in significant quantities, asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis (a scarring of the lungs which makes breathing difficult), mesothelioma (a rare cancer of the lining of the chest or abdominal cavity) and lung cancer. The link between exposure to asbestos and other types of cancers is less clear. More about Mesothelioma can be found out by visiting the Canadian Cancer Society.
Based on current information, there is no evidence that vermiculite currently available for horticultural purposes (e.g. potting plants) is a health risk when used as directed.
Based on current information, there is no evidence that vermiculite currently available for horticultural purposes (e.g. potting plants) is a health risk when used as directed.
Alberta, BC & Sask
Before deciding on doing your Attic Cleaning yourself, take a look at these videos and reading all information on this site.....be informed!