ZONOLITE (VERMICULITE) ATTIC INSULATION:

What is vermiculite insulation?
Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that has the remarkable property of expanding to many times its original volume when heated into worm-like accordion shaped pieces. The expanded vermiculite is a lightweight, fire-resistant, absorbent, and odorless material. These properties allow vermiculite to be used as attic insulation.

Do I have vermiculite insulation?
Vermiculite attic insulation is a pebble-like, pour-in product and is usually light-brown or gold in color. The pictures in this section show several samples of vermiculite attic insulation.

Is vermiculite insulation a problem?
Prior to 1984, much of the world’s supply of vermiculite came from a mine near Libby, Montana. This mine had a natural deposit of asbestos, which resulted in the vermiculite being contaminated with asbestos.

How does asbestos cause health problems?
Asbestos can cause health problems when inhaled into the lungs. If products containing asbestos are disturbed, thin, lightweight asbestos fibers are released into the air. Persons breathing the air may breathe in asbestos fibers. Continued exposure increases the amount of fibers that remain in the lung. Fibers embedded in lung tissue over time may result in lung diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma. Smoking increases your risk of developing illness from asbestos exposure.

What should I do if I have vermiculite attic insulation?
DO NOT DISTURB IT. Any disturbance has the potential to release asbestos fibers into the air. Limiting the access to your attic can help limit your potential exposure.

Is my health at risk from previous exposures to the asbestos in the insulation?
If you removed or disturbed the insulation, it is possible that you inhaled some asbestos fibers. Also the disturbance may have resulted in the fibers being deposited into other areas of the home. Exposure to asbestos increases your risk of developing lung disease. That risk is made worse by smoking. In general, the greater the exposure to asbestos, the greater the chance of developing harmful health effects. Disease symptoms may take several years to develop following exposure. If you are concerned about possible exposure, consult a physician who specializes in lung diseases (pulmonologist).