All About Vermiculite

Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral, which continues to be mined and used commercially today. Vermiculite on its own does not pose a risk to your health, however, many vermiculite mines have been found to be contaminated by asbestos. Today, vermiculite mines follow regulations and are closely monitored for asbestos contamination, however, there's a good chance that if the vermiculite in your home dates back to before the 1990's, it is likely to contain asbestos. 

What Does Vermiculite Look Like?

If there is vermiculite in your home, it wont be difficult to find. Vermiculite looks like small, flaky, shiny green or white pebbles, and is often used as an insulation in attics and walls. A lot of the time vermiculite is simply poured loosely into the attic, directly on top of the drywall used for your ceiling, or behind the drywall used on your walls. This means that if any holes are created in your ceiling or walls, vermiculite could be disturbed and released into your living space, and this vermiculite could contain asbestos. If you are not 100% sure that the vermiculite in your home is asbestos free, it must be treated as an asbestos containing material.

Should I Be Worried?

If you're just discovering vermiculite in your home now, don't panic. Chances are this vermiculite has been sitting untouched for at least 30 years, and fibers are not floating around in your house, therefor not posing an immediate threat to you and your family. However, you should be careful not to disturb the vermiculite until it is time for it to be completely removed from your home by certified professionals.

Where Can I Find It?

Some other places you could find vermiculite in your home are in your fireplace, as vermiculite has fireproofing properties, or in planters and gardens, as it works well for moisture, air, and nutrient retention. Like the vermiculite found in attics and walls, any vermiculite found in these areas will need to be removed and disposed of by a certified professional.

Contact us to learn more about vermiculite and how you can ensure your home is vermiculite free.