These pages are to assist homeowners with issues such as where asbestos may be located in their homes, finding a licensed asbestos contractor to safely remove asbestos and the health effects of asbestos. The distinguishing properties of these clay minerals are: layer charge, accessible particle size (i. Image #2 (below) shows the fibers of the chrysotile type, which makes up about 90% of all commercially available asbestos. Vermiculite-asbestos insulation resembles rocky gravel. Our findings have important health, social, financial, and legal implications for governments and communities in which asbestos has been used to insulate houses. , talc or vermiculite) that contain asbestos should also be regarded as ‘carcinogenic to humans’” (Straif et al. , Vermiculite Newark, NJ Mico Mineral Insulation Co. Moving the vermiculite will cause fibres to become airborne. How it works: Vermiculite absorbs water and is fire resistant, giving it myriad uses, from fluffing up garden soil to soundproofing floors. Vermiculite Insulation. Loft Insulation; Micafil Vermiculite Large Grade 100ltr; Micafil Vermiculite Large Grade 100ltr. Prior to its. Thanks for the assurance, I was just worried because the hole in the ceiling was left opened for almost a week so im not sure how much exposure I reallh got. We provide exfoliated vermiculite from Micafil, the UK’s leading manufacturer. However, the asbestos product may still be present. Products made from vermiculite ore produced by the Libby Mine were not. If. If you disturb the insulation, you may inhale some asbestos fibers. Graduated from University of Central Florida (Ph. Guide to using Micafil Vermiculite for Loft Insulation - Dupre Minerals. Asbestos Zonolite Insulation. Non-irritant and non-toxic, Micafil Vermiculite is a naturally occurring layered mineral, thermally expanded to produce highly aerated. Loose Vermiculite. Zonolite Insulation. As we touched upon, the EPA agrees that vermiculite insulation containing less than one percent of asbestos is safe to be used within a home. In short, the Trust will reimburse up to 55% of the total cost of removal, abatement, or containment, and re-insulation, (as long as the re-insulation costs are reasonably related to the size of the vermiculite abatement) with a maximum reimbursement of $4,633. 19 Ex VAT £25. Vermiculite masonry fill creates a barrier against moisture, heat, and sound. The degree of health risk depends on how much and how often this occurred. Also like the tip to use it as insulation for plants in winter, might try that too. Bundles of fibers make up asbestos minerals. The EPA recommends that vermiculite insulation be left undisturbed. The price can range from £800 to over £2,500. Vermiculite Insulation Board. Therefore, you must use safety gear before putting the insulation into bags. and finds vermiculite in attic and laundry room. Vermiculite Insulation: DIY Safe Asbestos Removal. While not all vermiculite produced before 1990 contains asbestos fibres, it is. It is recommended that you do not disturb it; or use a certified professional if it needs to be disturbed or removed. This sort of insulation typically comes in the form of Zonolite, a common form of insulation that appears as a pebble-like substance. Zonolite is contaminated with tremolite, a highly toxic type of asbestos. Vermiculite - Micafil 100L pack. S. Price and other details may vary based on product size and colour. Low levels of asbestos fibers are present in the air, water, and soil. Before its partial ban in 1989, asbestos was used in products like insulation, electrical panels, and brake pads. It is very flexible and is often used in attics and walls or wrapped around pipes. Under the settlement, Grace has funded the Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust Fund from which eligible Claimants can be reimbursed for legitimate claims up to 55% of removal and reinsulation cost with a cap of $5,500. 2. Currently, inspectors must send samples to off-site laboratories before making. However Health Canada has found some brands of vermiculite insulation may contain tremolite asbestos and could present a health hazard. It is made from aluminium-iron-magnesium-silicates and consists of thin, flat flakes. Vermiculite Void Fill. When a. In its pure form, vermiculite is clean, odorless, nontoxic and sterile. On 2019-05-31 by (mod) - Thanks for the interesting comment. According to NYS Industrial Code Rule 56, vermiculite is a suspect miscellaneous asbestos-containing material. Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral compound that is often used as an insulation material. Worryingly, other commonly building materials have been found to contain asbestos. Refractory Products. Also, it comes from naturally occurring materials on Earth. Testing of vermiculite insulation for the presence of asbestos fibers can be performed by specialty laboratories, however testing can be very expensive and may give false results depending on the methods used. According to Healthdirect Australia, exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer, pleural disease and other types of cancer. It comes in small pellets, such as those used for wood stoves. Thermal Resistance: R Value: 16. See moreAsbestos My attic has vermiculite insulation in it. What is vermiculite loose fill? Vermiculite is a 100% natural material that can be used for void fill. Asbestos spray coating was a commonly used way to insulate a roof and sometimes the sides of buildings. Zonolite is a loose-fill insulation brand commonly used to insulate attics. Navy official photo of a Vanguard rocket. Due to the now well understood hazards of asbestos inhalation the EPA banned the use of sprayed on insulation containing asbestos in 1973. Vermiculite Insulation. Was purchased from the seller who was and still is a realestate agent. ASBESTOS IN YOUR HOME - U. Where does the asbestos come from and why is it a health concern? Vermiculite ores often contain a range of other minerals including, in some cases, asbestos. Asbestos (/ æ s ˈ b ɛ s t ə s, æ z ˈ-,-t ɒ s / ass-BEST-əs, az-, -oss) is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral. However, due to limitations in the methods even trained technicians cannot. In fact, it is thought that most mesotheliomas are due to asbestos exposure ( 9 ). Mr. Zonolite is a trademarked brand name of a vermiculite attic insulation that was sold between the 1940s and 1990s. , most vermiculite insulation containing asbestos was sourced from a mine near Libby, Montana, which was active until 1990. Vermiculite is a volcanic mineral that is fire-resistant and has strong insulation properties. Asbestos causes cancer and other diseases. D. TYPICAL PROPERTIES Typical Properties of Micafil Typical Physical Properties Typical Chemical Properties1 s ned Non-ve) +11. Typical home attic can run $3,000 to $15,000 depending on the size and complexity. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommends that if you have vermiculite, it’s best to assume it contains asbestos and leave it alone. Older homes (built prior to 1990) have insulation that can contain anywhere from 15 % asbestos to 100% asbestos. Other common uses are as thermal and sound insulation, construction material, insulation material, and for lightweight, absorbent packaging material. Asbestos insulating board (AIB) was a fireproofing material that was commonly used in buildings. law, or call or text us at (833) 4-ASBESTOS (427-2378) or (206) 455-9190. Therefore the Micafil loft insulation is considerably more expensive! products. If your home was constructed after their closing date, it reduces the. Vermiculite Insulation and Asbestos. Moving the vermiculite will cause fibres to become airborne. As a result, vermiculite that had been. , pipe lagging, sprayed-on fireproofing) may be assumed to be less than 1% if the vermiculite constitutes less than 10% of the total material. How I can figure out if there is asbestos in Thanks in advance Routa [email protected] Show More. The EPA has set a maximum exposure level of 0. According to the Health Canada advisory “Vermiculite Insulation Containing Amphibole Asbestos”, the best way to minimize your risk of asbestos exposure is to avoid disturbing vermiculite insulation. It contained minerals originating from the Libby Mine in Libby. It is typically light gray or yellow and has a crumbly texture. This Dupre Vermiculite loose-fill insulation is a highly absorbent protector suitable for packaging, chimney lining, loft insulation and high-temperature insulation. Asbestos Insulation. The EPA defines an asbestos-containing material (ACM) as having greater than 1 percent asbestos. Vermiculite is a member of the phyllosilicate group of minerals, resembling mica in appearance, and is a hydrous phyllosilicate mineral that undergoes significant expansion when heated. Vermiculite is an insulating and fire-resistant mineral found in many homes built between 1930 and 1990. Opens in a new window or tab. asbestos and take precautions. S. )Insulation with vermiculite looks like small gray-brown or silver-gold pebbles. It also enables you to keep the interior cool. The mined vermiculite ore contained amphibole asbestos. Click & CollectAvailable for collection. EXFOLIATED VERMICULITE consists of accordion-like granules containing microscopic air layers, to which vermiculite owes its light weight and excellent insulation properties. from 1919 to 1990 originated from the Libby mine, it is safe to assume that all vermiculite insulation found in buildings is toxic. Inhalation of asbestos can cause lung problems. The pictures in the center of this pamphlet and on the cover show several samples of vermiculite attic insulation. The EPA recommends that vermiculite insulation be left undisturbed. The Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust may provide a reimbursement contribution of 55% of the abatement cost for eligible Claimants up to a ceiling of a $7,500 removal/reinsulation bill or $4,125. PACKAGING AND STORAGEPACKAGING AND STORAG EEE Exfoliated vermiculite is supplied in bulk bags or ~100 litre pre-packed plastic bags. We provide exfoliated vermiculite from Micafil, the UK’s leading manufacturer. Am I at risk? Should I take it out? If you have vermiculite insulation in your home, you should assume this. Different sizes of vermiculite particles . 2. Dupré Micafil Vermiculite Loose Fill Loft Insulation: Best loose-fill loft insulation. Specifically designed for lithium-ion battery fires, AVDfire delivers superior performance to extinguish flames and minimise damage. Is there any way besides getting a lab test done, to know if it contains asbestos? The bags are old and I took a picture of them before burning them. If you are going to replace your vermiculite insulation, you must take certain safety precautions. To date, no other vermiculite mines have been found to contain asbestos and periodic tests are done to make sure it stays that way. However, nearly 80% of the world’s vermiculite supply came from the asbestos-contaminated Libby, Montana mine. In this release (“ National Consumer Awareness Campaign Launched on Vermiculite Insulation Used in Some Attics ”), the EPA states that “… home testing vermiculite in. Carry on browsing if. Although the mine was shut down many years ago. Vermiculite insulation is probably not a large concern, but only as long as it stays undisturbed in the attic. It can be a grayish-brown or a silvery-gold in color. Asbestos insulation is often cited as one of the most prevalent sources of asbestos exposure due to widespread use in the past and a continued presence in older homes. This is a natural occuring mineral expanded at high temperatures to produce expanded particles 90% air. The Libby mine was closed down in 1990, meaning any homes that were built and/or remodeled prior to their closing date could have attic insulation containing asbestos. homes and buildings may still contain Zonolite. The most common asbestos-containing vermiculite insulation is zonolite. Typical vermiculite insulation . £21. Disposes of all materials, disposable equipment and clothing used in the job in sealed, leak-proof, and labeled heavy-duty plastic bags. In May 2003, EPA released information indicating that vermiculite contaminated with traces, less than 1% asbestos, is of significant concern. The best way to minimize asbestos exposure from vermiculite is to NOT remove or disturb the insulation. , vermiculite insulation, vermiculite block fill) must be treated as asbestos-containing material, regardless of its asbestos content. Vermiculite. Asbestos may still be found in many different building materials and products, regardless of their age. EN. - They would need to gather 3 samples in different sections of the. Micafil Vermiculite is free flowing and easy to install, it is ideal for thermal and acoustic insulation in lofts, between floors, interior cavity walls and for pipe protection. Three types of asbestos were commonly used to manufacture products. I found a couple of paper bags in the attic today with the name Micafil. Asbestos fibers in vermiculite are too small to be seen by the naked eye. C $472. Usually, many attics are empty, and some homeowners may want to utilize the extra space. S. You can remove it yourself. ) in homes. If you are going to replace your vermiculite insulation, you must take certain safety precautions. Spray-On Asbestos Insulation. If your insulation feels firm and lays flat, you might have asbestos and should have your insulation replaced as soon as possible. ) Member of National Association of Science Writers. It can also be used for a number of other things such as insulation in lofts or between floors base for gas coal fires and garden bedding and potting. • Packaging. In addition to their involvement with the asbestos product industry, W. Vermiculite insulation. Health related effects of high exposure are slow to develop these usually take at least 10 - 20 years. Grace & Co. GRADES OF VERMICULITE 50 Nominal Particle Size (mm) Loose Bulk Density (Kg/m3) Applications Large Grade (Micafil) 3 – 15 70 Insulation, Concrete, Refractories, Packaging, Extra winter drainage, bulb culture and storage. Avoid bringing dust into the home on clothing. Vermiculite Micafil with its free flowing properties of loose-fill, make it an excellent insulation for lofts. Vermiculite is tested and found to contain asbestos. Features and Benefits: Vermiculite is irritant free, ultra lightweight, non-toxic, odour free and fire proof up to 1300. So, to recap, vermiculite insulation was banned due to health concerns surrounding asbestos contamination. If broken, this insulation can release high levels of asbestos fibres into the. Vermiculite insulation; Zonolite insulation; Numerous asbestos companies manufactured and distributed the above products. The home inspector got it tested and it came back composed of cellulose and non fibrous materials, no. Recent findings about vermiculite ore contaminated with tremolite asbestos. There are many types of insulation Asbestos or vermiculite insulation, including loose-fill, insulation wrappings for pipes and plumbing, Asbestos insulating board, spray-on insulation and more. Vermiculite is a natural mineral that is odorless, fire-resistant, and lightweight which makes it ideal for use in building materials. Question: worried sick after our home inspector tested our "vermiculite insulation" for asbestos - lab said it was cellulose. In case you do not know already, then Vermiculite Micafil is a great loose-fill thermal insulating material that is designed to reduce the loss of heat in cold weather. While no longer produced, as many as 35 million U. Other common uses are as thermal and sound insulation, construction material, insulation material, and for lightweight, absorbent packaging material. ), Nova Southeastern University (M. 0% asbestos before expansion (Amandus et al. Bulk sampling is reliable only when over 1% of the material is asbestos. Which is false. Concerns about Asbestos-contaminated Vermiculite Insulation. This attic insulation was typically gray-brown or silver-gold in color. Often used in commercial and industrial building walls, ceilings and beams, spray-on asbestos looks like a bumpy white plastic coating. It is one of the best insulators available today and this is why it is commonly used in. I would leave that research to Dr. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommends that if you have vermiculite, it’s best to assume it contains asbestos and leave it alone. Zonolite insulation is no longer manufactured in the United States. Most commonly, vermiculite was used for insulation in walls and attics across the nation. Government actions and regulations were put in place to phase out its use. nearly an inch long. It is made from mineral material. Testing of vermiculite insulation for the presence of asbestos fibers can be performed by specialty laboratories, however testing can be very expensive and may give false results depending on the methods used. Search. According to IARC, there is sufficient evidence that asbestos causes mesothelioma (a relatively rare cancer of the thin membranes that line the chest and abdomen), and cancers of the lung, larynx, and ovary ( 8 ). Federal guidelines are weak. New formulations were created after that with no asbestos deliberately added. It’s best to check with your State for a list of approved abatement contractors and get multiple estimates. If you have vermiculite insulation in your home, you should assume this material may be contaminated with asbestos and be aware of steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from exposure to asbestos. vermiculite at the lower portions (as asbestos settles to the bottom) - The cost for remediation is anywhere from $6,000 to $15,000, and possibly. Absolutely Sound proof. To help combat the cost of removal, the Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust was founded in 2014. If vermiculite is determined to beThis type of insulation is usually grayish-brown and looks somewhat like little pebbles. If asbestos is not in the air, it is not dangerous to your lungs. If removing vermiculite or sampling this. Vermiculite is an insulation that comes in pellets ranging in colour from silver-gold to grey-brown. It comes in small pellets, such as those used for wood stoves. S. Your chances of developing Mesothelioma from a brief exposure to vermiculite are minimal. and Canada and was sold under the brand name Zonolite ® or Zonolite ® Attic Insulation (ZAI). Zonolite was a brand of vermiculite insulation that is contaminated with small quantities of asbestos. before 1990 contains amphibole asbestos fibres. Micafil AG. Give us enough sample to work with. Add $1 to $4 per square foot for the cost to add new attic insulation after removing the asbestos from the attic. during the 20th century was contaminated with asbestos. [ 12 ] demonstrated SMRs for lung cancer among the Libby vermiculite worker cohort to be 1. 2. Thermal Transmittance: U-Value: This is the overall rate of heat transfer. These products commonly contained 15% asbestos to 100% asbestos. Vermiculite attic insulation is a pebble-like, pour-in product and is usually light-brown or gold in color. Contribute to dinglei2022/en development by creating an account on GitHub. Vermiculite insulation and stored boxes show. Simons explained that much of the world's supply of vermiculite came from a mine near Libby, Mont. S. Vermiculite, a durable silicate material, was sold for over 50 years in Australia before. If you are having work done in your attic or walls, pause the project immediately. Also, it is a common material that is known to contain asbestos. However, most of the country’s vermiculite was mined in Libby, Montana, in a mine that also had a natural deposit of asbestos. , 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. Textile Coatings. There was also a deposit of asbestos at that mine, so the vermiculite fromMicafil Vermiculite Model: Vermiculite Vermiculite is most commonly used for insulation and protection for solid flue liner pipe protection. Once popular for heat resistance and corrosion, asbestos is most often found in older homes. Price: £30 | Buy now from Buildingmaterials. Brand New. Zonolite was a common brand-name of vermiculite insulation found in thousands of homes throughout the United States. The Trust is expected to operate for a minimum of 20 years. Vermiculite insulation looks like pebbles and typically is grayish-brown or silvery-gold. Traditional "clicker presses" are great for larger quantity jobs and have been the standard in the industry for years. Fortunately it will almost assuredly not be due to asbestos exposure. There is an accordion-style texture to the particles. Vermiculite Micafil is as an excellent thermal insulating material capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 1000C. Skip to content. He states that is deception and claims we knew about it. If you must remove any asbestos-containing vermiculite from your home, you should hire a licensed asbestos contractor. g. Find labs. 800-723-3216. This Dupre Vermiculite loose-fill insulation is a highly absorbent protector suitable for packaging, chimney lining, loft insulation and high-temperature insulation. This lightweight product creates a protective fill when placed into block core cavities. As over 70% of all vermiculite sold in the U. Nominal Particle Size Loose Bulk Density Large Grade (Micafil) 3 – 15 mm 70 Kg/m 3 Medium Grade 2 – 8 mm 85 Kg/m 3 Fine Grade 0. Grace. If you decide to remove vermiculite insulation from your attic, have it done by a professional who has the required equipment necessary to capture asbestos and vermiculite dust and debris fibres. Vermiculite is a naturally-occurring mineral composed of shiny flakes, resembling mica. There are six types, all of which are composed of long and thin fibrous crystals, each fibre (particulate with length substantially greater than width) being composed of many microscopic "fibrils" that can be released into the atmosphere by. The medium is considered safe for commercial and personal use. 2009). Made from aluminium-iron-magnesium silicates, it is a natural mineral used for void filling. Where does the asbestos come from and why is it a health concern? Vermiculite ores often contain a range of other minerals including, in some cases, asbestos. Other common uses are as thermal and sound insulation, construction material, insulation material, and for lightweight, absorbent packaging material. Eventually, the asbestos sunk close to the bottom of the insulation layer and concentrated along the floor. With time, asbestos sinks to the bottom of the insulation layer. in balloon. People a…Buy Micafil Vermiculite Large Grade 100ltr at trade exclusive prices. It’s been revealed that the product was sold in Australia for more than fifty years. More recently, Larson et al. It developed the world’s first RIP bushings. Vermiculite is still sold today, mainly for agricultural and horticultural use. from 1919 to 1990. Most of the vermiculite attic insulation produced until the mid 1980s was sold under the brand name Zonolite. Vermiculite Void Fill Packaging. Micalite Boards is checked by an independent laboratory for the presence of Asbestos. Keep in original packaging, in dry conditions and store in a way to prevent any accidental damage and creation of dust. Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral mined around the world and has been used for insulation and agricultural purposes. Here are some signs to look for that indicate your loose-fill insulation may be contaminated with asbestos: Your house was constructed prior to 1990. Pure vermiculite is not dangerous. g. When vermiculite insulation is found in a building, evaluation for its potential asbestos content traditionally involves collecting a sample from an attic or wall and submitting it. Some vermiculite insulation marketed between 1920 and 1990 may contain asbestos fibres. Tremolite ranges in color from a milky white to a dark green and is found in other minerals such as talc and vermiculite. Vermiculite insulation particle Typical vermiculite insulation . It’s dangerous to perform any attic air sealing work until all of the vermiculite has been removed by a certified asbestos abatement contractor, at a cost ranging from $7,000 to $12,000. Vermiculite Back Fill Insulation (100 Litre Bag ) Vermiculite gives perfect coverage of insulation in difficult to reach places as well as an easy to manage level fill. Why should I be concerned about asbestos-contaminated vermiculite insulation? A mine near Libby, Montana was the source of over 70 percent of all vermiculite sold in the U. Avoid unnecessary removal of harmless vermiculite insulation: if your vermiculite insulation does not contain asbestos it does not need to be removed. When it comes to cutting gaskets there are several ways to get the job done. Certain materials, including loor tiles and roof and siding shingles, are less likely to release ibers than pipe and boiler insulation if still inVermiculite has absolutely nothing in common with asbestos. The best way to minimize asbestos exposure from vermiculite is to NOT remove or disturb the insulation. If the fluff resembles a snow drift, you likely don’t have any asbestos. For years, Zonolite was used in the insulation of homes throughout the United. The EPA recommends that vermiculite insulation be left undisturbed. Estimated Delivery 3-5 Days (working days) View delivery info page. Any ideas? Vermiculite is a 2:1 clay, meaning it has two tetrahedral sheets for every one octahedral sheet. diseases. Being with features like lightweight, fireproof, and absorbent, it is the ideal loose fill void packing and cushioning material suitable for many packaging needs, especially for transporting dangerous and fragile goods due to its high. 6 out of 5. The processing and manufacture of Vermiculite continues to be one of our core business markets. The four most common types of insulation are blanket, block, loose-fill, and spray-on: Blanket Insulation — Usually either in the form of batts (pre-cut sections) or large rolls, blanket insulation generally looks like a big, cotton-like blanket. Since spray-on asbestos. Asbestos fibers in vermiculite are too small to be seen by the naked eye. We also do not recommend opening walls, ceilings, or floors to look for vermiculite insulation. Insulators also refer to it as “loose-fill” and “blown-in” insulation. When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they may get trapped in the lungs and remain there for a long time. Certificates in Health Literacy from the CDC. The work site should be visually free of dust and debris. This is the hard, wavy-surfaced siding that was especially popular in. Older buildings and homes may have asbestos within products from hot water piping insulation to. Great job, but today I find about 75% of Vermiculite by Libby etc in the USA contains a dangerous form of Asbestos. The concerns about the dangers with vermiculite insulation in the UK stem from the fact that until the 1990s, most vermiculite originated from a mine in America which also contained asbestos deposits. In its pure form, vermiculite is clean, odorless, nontoxic and sterile. The maximum reimbursement the trust will cover is $4,633. EN. Alternatively, the inside chimney method is suitable for Vermiculite insulation. Vermiculite asbestos is a type of asbestos that was once commonly used in construction. Asbestos types are recognized in six forms of asbestos, including chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite. 1987;. If you have vermiculite insulation in your home, you should assume this material may be contaminated with asbestos and be aware of steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from exposure to asbestos. Does vermiculite insulation contain asbestos? Pure vermiculite should not contain asbestos. Spray-On Asbestos Insulation – Typically thick gray coating found on ceilings. The EPA recommends that vermiculite insulation be left undisturbed. Is my family at risk of exposure to asbestos if we have vermiculite insulation? Asbestos causes cancer and other diseases. Our laboratory needs approximately 20-40 g of vermiculite (about the size. It has been determined that vermiculite from this mine may contain asbestos. co. Vermiculite attic insulation is a pebble-like, pour-in product and is usually light-brown or gold in color. Vermiculite Micafil 100 Ltr Pack Void Loose Back Fill Medium Grade flexible flue. For use in horticulture, it's sold as lightweight, absorbent. Vermiculite insulation per 1991 main source was mined in Montana which contained asbestos. While the homeowners noted that neighbors up the road had just renovated a home similar in style and vintage to theirs and didn’t have an asbestos abatement, our clients quickly came to appreciate the steps we took to bring Lucas on. SKU. It is used minimally today. Munn & Steele Vermiculite Insulation FAQs. If you have vermiculite insulation in your home, you should assume this material may be contaminated with asbestos and be aware of steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from exposure to asbestos. This product is a premium-quality, coarse-grained vermiculite that we recommend highly as roof insulation when foam or earth. Removing vermiculate insulation can be expensive. As a result, vermiculite insulation can cause health risks due to contamination with asbestos fibers. If you remove or disturb the insulation, it is. In addition to the potential for asbestos to be present in vermiculite, a number of people regularly ask me about asbestos siding. EPA Factsheet about naturally-occurring asbestos in vermiculite insulation from. Consisting of the naturally occurring mineral vermiculite, Zonolite was used for decades to insulate millions of American homes. If your home was insulated between 1920 and 1991, there is a very high probability that the vermiculite in your attic or walls contains asbestos fibers. At the height of asbestos insulation use, there were many different brands, including Zonolite, Kaylo and Limpet. read moreMicafil Vermiculite Model: Vermiculite Vermiculite is most commonly used for insulation and protection for solid flue liner pipe protection. , potting mixes and soilAsbestos crystals are heavier than Vermiculite flakes. ago.