What is Vermiculite Made of and Is It In My Home?
Updated: Jan 6
According to multiple State Department of Healths’ including IDPH, houses that used vermiculite were built in the 50’s, 60’s, and potentially the 70’s. “Vermiculite has been used in building insulation, potting soil and fertilizer. Unfortunately, the vermiculite contains naturally-occurring asbestos called tremolite-actinolite.”
What Does It Look Like
Vermiculite resembles gold kitty litter. They are brownish-gold and are about ½ inch in size. Pieces look like they are made of several layers.
How Does Vermiculite Affect My Health?
“Most people exposed to small amounts of asbestos will not experience adverse health effects. A person must generally be exposed to asbestos for a long period of time (10 or more years) before health effects occur.
Illnesses caused by long-term asbestos exposure include –
asbestosis, a lung disease caused by breathing in asbestos fibers causing irritation and scarring of lung tissues
mesothelioma, a form of cancer in the lining of the lungs, chest, abdomen and heart caused by exposure to asbestos
lung cancer, tumors of the lung that are linked to asbestos exposure as well as other sources of exposure such as cigarette smoking.”
Contact Cascade Insulation
Have Cascade Insulation perform a full vermiculite removal and inspection services through the ZAI Trust (Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust). You may receive reimbursement or receive up to 55% Off as long as the cost is up to $7500. Give us a call at (541) 388-2600 or fill out a form and we will be more than happy to give you an asbestos-free property. While you're at it, inform yourself further by finding out what causes mold and mildew on our website.