Handling of Vermiculite

The United States government estimates that vermiculite and vermiculite insulation were used in more than 35 million homes. With over 70 percent of the vermiculite mined from the asbestos-contaminated Libby, Montana deposit, the EPA does not recommend insulation removal due to the potential for asbestos contamination. However, if you will be undertaking a renovation project, it is important that you assume the insulation is contaminated with asbestos and follow the OSHA and EPA recommended best practices.

EPA Recommended Vermiculite Insulation Management Steps

• Leave vermiculite insulation undisturbed in your attic or in your walls.
• Do not allow children to play in an attic with vermiculite insulation.
• Do not store boxes or other items in your attic. If you must store them and move them around take extra caution to minimize the disturbance.
• When in the attic, make every effort to stay on the floored part and do not disturb the insulation.
• Any time you are around the insulation wear protective equipment. Common dust masks do not provide adequate protection against asbestos fibers. You should at least wear an OSHA-approved respirator and appropriate protective clothing and eye protection as indicated in OSHA workplace standards.
• Leave the attic immediately if there is a disturbance.
• Do not track vermiculite insulation or associated dust into the living spaces of your home.
• To prevent vermiculite insulation from sifting through cracks in the ceiling, around light fixtures or around ceiling fans, seal the cracks and holes that insulation could pass through.
• If you need work done in your attic or in your home's walls that will disturb vermiculite insulation hire trained and certified asbestos professionals who can do the work safely.
• Vermiculite is used in some potting soil, where it appears as bright gold or silver flakes. Keeping your potting soil moist keeps the vermiculite moist, thus lowering the chance for any asbestos fibers to become airborne.