What is vermiculite?

Vermiculite is a silver-gold to gray-brown mineral that is flat and shiny in its natural state. It does not burn this

has made the material suitable for use as insulation.

Is all vermiculite a health concern?

Vermiculite itself has not been shown to be a health problem. However, some vermiculite insulation

contained asbestos fibres, which can cause problems if inhaled. As long as this kind of vermiculite-based

insulation remains undisturbed in the attic areas and does not become airborne, it

should not be a concern.

Of concern is Zonolite® Attic Insulation; this insulation was sold in Canada under the name of Zonolite® and

was extracted from the Libby Mine in Montana, USA. This mine had a natural deposit of asbestos which

resulted in the vermiculite being contaminated with asbestos.

Vermiculite produced by the Libby Mine has not been on the market in Canada for more than 10 years. Not

all vermiculite sold in Canada before 1990 contains asbestos fibres. However, if you believe that your home

may contain vermiculite insulation, it is reasonable to assume that it may be contaminated with asbestos.

  We now have a local testing agent on Vancouver Island, if you have this product in your home

and would like to have it tested

.  Please give Steve Cameron a call at 250-756-0355

or visit their website

   For more information please check out the link from CBC news  http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/consumers/vermiculite.html

This photo was taken in an attic, the

vermiculite was under the blown in insulation,

which is very typical. I have also seen this

materials used for wall insulation